This Is The Single Craziest Thing You Never Knew Happened In New Jersey

The Garden State is a very interesting place, with a lot of crazy things that happened in New Jersey over the years. I've covered everything from German sabotage on New Jersey soil during WWI to unsolved murders and paranormal activity, but I haven't yet talked about our most infamous robbery. This bank heist went down in New Jersey history but many people may not remember the event. So allow me to refresh you on this epic event in our state.

It all started at the PNC Bank.

(The PNC Bank pictured is in Washington DC.)

On Nov. 27, 2008, around 8:40 pm, an alarm went off at the PNC Bank on Routes 518 and 601 in Montgomery Township. Police responded to the scene and saw what they believed to be at least one shadowy suspect through the limited visibility of drawn blinds.

The threat was taken seriously when the SWAT teams showed up.

The police attempted to communicate with the suspect through phone calls and a bullhorn but received no response. SWAT teams were called in and nearby apartment buildings were evacuated. Some reports say the standoff lasted up to three hours.

Who was this mysterious bank robber? Why wasn't he moving or talking?

Eventually, the SWAT teams entered the building to find...

A life-size cardboard cutout.

The only "person" inside the bank was a life-size cardboard cutout, used for advertising purposes. The more than 30 officers from three towns who responded must not have been thrilled about this Thanksgiving day "heist." The threat was neutralized and no cardboard cutouts were harmed. This bank robbery just ended up being just another one of those funny things that happened in New Jersey.

What set off the alarm is still unknown, but could have been anything from errant balloons to the smallest of mice. With the police diverting traffic and evacuating buildings, some Somerset County residents may remember this event, but few other New Jerseyans know this strange story. Well, it goes down in history as another one of those crazy things that happened in New Jersey.

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