Syringes Surface Mysteriously in O.C. Locations

HUNTINGTON BEACH — In two incidents Wednesday that mystified police, a customer at a local Burger King reported finding a thin syringe inside a straw, and a visitor at the Surf Museum found a syringe needle protruding from his car seat.

Police say as Huntington Beach resident Linda Bruce sat down to eat lunch about 12:25 p.m. at the Burger King on Pacific Coast Highway, she unwrapped her straw and felt something inside. When she looked inside, she saw a syringe, she told police.

Police, who said the syringe was small enough to fit inside a straw, contacted the restaurant, which removed all the straws.

Later in the day, Huntington Beach resident Roger Bloom parked his convertible in front of the Surf Museum on Olive Avenue for about 30 minutes. When he returned, he told police, he found a syringe buried in his driver’s seat with the needle pointing upward.

Both syringes, which police say are commonly used by diabetics, are in police custody.

Police have no suspects.

“This is very uncommon--the first time I’ve seen this in my 25 years at Huntington Beach,” said Huntington Beach Lt. Gary Brooks. “I’m sure it was quite an eye opener for both people.”