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On Friday, Oct. 28, at 8:37 a.m., the Wildwood Police Department received a report of an unwanted guest at the Mango Motel located at 209 East Spencer Ave.
Police spoke with the manager who stated that Joshua Bailey, 37, of Brunswick, ME was dropped off at the motel and rented room 5 for the week.
Further investigation revealed that several guests overheard Bailey make numerous comments about constructing a bomb in room 5.
The Wildwood Police Department subsequently contacted the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department K9 unit to assist with a protective sweep of Bailey’s room.
Shortly thereafter, officers retreated from the area after a copper wire was observed wrapped around the doorknob of room 5. At this point, several residents located in adjacent properties were evacuated from the immediate area. Additionally, vehicle and pedestrian traffic was diverted after the appropriate intersections were cordoned off.
During the continuing investigation, the Atlantic City Police Department Bomb Squad and Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office were contacted and responded to the scene.
A subsequent search of the room revealed several items used as improvised explosive device (IED) material, however, none of these items were constructed to form a functioning explosive device, according to police.
Bailey was taken into custody and transported to Cape Regional Medical Center for a psychological evaluation, police said.
Bailey was charged with causing false public alarm, police said.
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