A reported bomb threat prompted a response from the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office Friday morning at the Ontario County Department of Social Services building in Hopewell.
Deputies were dispatched to the County Complex Drive facility at approximately 11:15 a.m. after receiving a report of a bomb threat. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies quickly responded, identified the suspect as 48-year-old Christopher Hillen of Ontario, and took him into custody. Investigators determined there was no credible threat to the building.
During the investigation, deputies also determined Hillen allegedly attempted to steal an employee identification badge from a Department of Social Services caseworker.
Hillen was charged with attempted petit larceny and was formally trespassed from the Ontario County DSS property. He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Hopewell Town Court at a later date.
The charge is an accusation, and Hillen is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
