Police hope it's an isolated incident, but are warning shoppers to be cautious.
MIDDLETOWN -- Police are warning shoppers to be cautious after someone found a hypodermic needle in a newly purchased sweatshirt.
On Sunday night, Union Beach police posted a picture of the needle on top of what appears to be a black hooded sweatshirt on its Facebook page.
Police said the sweatshirt was purchased at a Target store in Middletown, and hope it's an isolated incident.
"There's no way anyone in the store would have known about this, but we are encouraging everyone to be cautious with their purchases," the Facebook post said. "It is very sad and scary that this is now something that people have to look out for."
Police said they hope the incident is a freak accident and not a "sick prank."
Anyone who has had a similar experience should report it to local authorities, police said.
"This is our community, this is where people shop for their children," the post continued. "If you see something, say something, anywhere, anytime. Help the police get this trash off our streets."
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.