The Strange and Crazy New Jersey Thanksgiving Incident That Fooled Everyone

The Garden State has seen its fair share of wild and unforgettable moments, but few compare to this bizarre “bank robbery” that turned out to be anything but.

Back in 2008, New Jersey residents were gearing up for Thanksgiving when an incident unfolded that would later become one of the strangest stories in New Jersey history.

A Bizarre Story That Still Lives On

I was actually on the air with Shawn that morning, but somehow, I have no memory of this at all. Did we mention this the next morning, probably??

It all started on the evening of November 27, 2008, when an alarm was triggered at the PNC Bank located at the intersection of Routes 518 and 601 in Montgomery Township, thanks to onlyinyourstate.com.

The Alarm Goes Off at PNC Bank

Responding officers arrived quickly and, through the closed blinds, thought they spotted a figure lurking inside the building.

Police Spot a “Suspect” Inside

Believing they were facing an armed suspect, police called in the SWAT team and set up a perimeter. Negotiators tried to reach whoever was inside, calling the bank and using a bullhorn, but there was complete silence.

Hours of Tension and Silence

The tense standoff dragged on for hours as officers prepared to make entry.

The Shocking Discovery

When the SWAT team finally went in, they discovered the robber inside the bank, it was a life-size cardboard cutout standing perfectly still inside the bank lobby. That's right, a life-size cardboard cutout.

Over 30 officers from three different departments had responded to what turned out to be a Thanksgiving false alarm. Thankfully, no one was hurt, including the cardboard suspect.

Read More: Take a Look Inside Jack & Lights at Argos Farm in New Jersey

THIS has to be one of New Jersey’s most ridiculous moments, ever! A story so strange you almost wouldn’t believe it happened and it was right here in New Jersey.