OFFICIAL FROM WESTCHESTER COUNTY POLICE: Shortly before 1 p.m., Westchester County Police were notified by employees of the Department of Environmental Facilities that a suspicious envelope was received in the mail at its offices at 270 North Avenue, New Rochelle. The county police Hazardous Devices Unit responded shortly after 1 p.m. and conducted an assessment of the envelope and its contents. The envelope did not contain any explosive, chemical or biological hazard. There was no “white powder” of any kind inside the envelope. The building was evacuated during the incident. Employees were permitted to return once HDU personnel determined there was no threat to the general public. The matter remains under investigation by the county police General Investigations Unit. Because of that investigation, we are not disclosing additional details at this time about the contents of the envelope.
INITIAL REPORT: Streets in the downtown area are shut down with police activity. Residents are warned to stay out of the area. A knowledgeable source tells Talk of the Sound the threat may be legitimate. Westchester County Bomb Squad is on the scene and suiting up. Bridge Street is closed. New Rochelle police are clearing the parking lots around Bridge Street. Traffic is moving along North Avenue and Huguenot Street.
READERS REPORT 1:15 PM: There is an ambulance with a fire truck in position waiting at Huguenot near Post Office. Just about every police vehicle in New Rochelle appears to be on scene. Many are lined up on North Avenue, in the direction north of Huguenot Street towards the train station bridge.
READERS REPORT 1:50 PM: Hearing word that threat may be Anthrax.
UPDATE 2:05 PM: NRFD Units being released from area.
UPDATE 2:20 PM: NRPD gave the all clear. Workers being let back into the building.
PHOTO CREDIT: Robert McKinley from his Blackberry. If you have additional photos please send to photos@talkofthesound.com
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