A Halloween scare in a Maryland town, which initially caused concern over trick-or-treat candy safety, has been revealed as a playful prank by a 9-year-old. The child mischievously inserted a sewing needle into their own candy, as confirmed by local authorities.

Residents of Rockville were advised to “inspect all candy” after reports surfaced of two children receiving gummy bear packages with sewing needles inside on Halloween. This unsettling news prompted police to focus on several neighborhood blocks to identify the source.

However, in a follow-up to the November 1st report, the Rockville City Police Department clarified that their investigation led them to one of the children involved, uncovering the prank’s true nature.

“The incident was a hoax orchestrated by a 9-year-old child from the household where the report was filed,” the police stated in a Facebook update. “The child confessed to placing sewing needles in two gummy bear packages.”

Authorities discovered a needle hidden within a gummy bear package during Halloween festivities in Rockville, Maryland. (Rockville City Police Department)

Amid widespread public concern and a flurry of media attention over the initial report, police said the child’s parents spoke with their children again. During the conversation, the 9-year-old admitted to placing needles inside the candy just before their parents performed a precautionary safety scan with a magnet.

Police said no other incidents were reported on or after Halloween, suggesting that no children received any candy due to “maliciously tampering.”

A gummy bear package with a needle hiding inside in Rockville, Maryland, during Halloween. (Rockville City Police Department)

“This incident understandably raised concern within our community, and we are grateful that it did not present a broader threat to public safety,” Chief Jason L. West said in a statement.

A child dressed as Mario goes Trick-or-Treating on Oct. 31, 2023.  (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

“I commend the professionalism and diligence of our officers and detectives for their swift response, thorough investigation, and commitment to ensuring the facts of this case were fully uncovered.”