The reported armed robbery of a Pizza Hut in Howell early Friday turned out to be a hoax cooked up by an employee who hoped to gain favor with his employer, and hopefully a raise, police said Friday night.

Howell Police Chief Andrew Kudrick said 26 officers responded to the Route 9 pizzeria at 10:30 a.m. after being called by employee, Joseph Baude, 30, of Ocean Township. They spent nearly two hours searching for a gunman that did not exist, the chief said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Baude claimed that he was confronted by a man with a handgun who demanded cash and that he fled empty handed after he was able to fight him off, police said.

“Early on, we were suspicious of this report but obviously had to thoroughly investigate and take precautionary measures,” Kudrick wrote. “This included providing security for both the Goddard School and the Southard School.”

Officers eventually watched surveillance footage which showed that no one exited the restaurant as Baude claimed, so the investigation turned to him as the shelter in place for the nearby schools was lifted, authorities said.

Baude admitted to detectives Friday evening that he made up the story to “look favorable with corporate so he could get a raise,” Kudrick said.

“He was remorseful and realized the extent of his actions,” the chief said.

Baude was arrested and charged with creating a false alarm and filing a false report to police and was released pending his court appearance, police said.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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