Linwood police are warning the public to be vigilant after two women reported feeling ill after touching blue tape left on their parked vehicle.
An investigation was unable to determine if this was an attempt to harm the women, but police used it to remind people to be cautious.
One of the women, who asked to remain anonymous, told BreakingAC that she and her sister were leaving Barista's Coffee House in Central Square on May 19, when she saw blue tape on the window of her vehicle with the corner lifted up.
She tried to remove it, but her sister stopped her and took it off with her hoodie. But both women wound up coming in contact with it, she said.
They didn't see anyone around in the parking lot who looked suspicious, so they left.
But shortly after driving away "my heart started beating fast, my body was tingling, my hands were shaking, my tongue went numb, and I felt like I was losing control of my hands," she said. "I had to fight to get my fingers to dial 911 so I can get help."
She said her sister later started feeling the same way, with the addition of shortness of breath and having difficulty walking.
Sgt. Brandon Settle was driving in the area when the woman flagged him down.
Both women were taken to Shore Medical Center in Somers Point for evaluation, police said.
An investigation was conducted, but officers found no witnesses or evidence.
The blue tape was not at the scene, so could not be analyzed. The women did not test positive for any substances.
"It is unknown whether this is an isolated incident, a new trend, or whether there was any intent to harm individuals," police said.
The Linwood Police Department is urging the public to continue to remain vigilant in public and to avoid touching any suspicious objects that appear out of place. If you encounter any suspicious object on or around your vehicle, please do not touch it and contact police.
The woman said she wants the public to know that she and her sister are safe.
"I also want to let the public know to please be mindful about posting their locations on social media and please be aware of your surroundings," she said. "Also, don’t hesitate to report anything suspicious."
