The New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit and Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team responded to a residence in Chemung County on Sunday to clear possible hazardous materials from inside.
According to State Police, the incident began last Monday when an employee of the Veteran Highway Department found a possible explosive on Merka Road and called 9-1-1. The FBI and State Police Bomb Disposal Unit responded and made the explosive safe. Investigators interviewed neighbors as well as companies across the country in an attempt to find the person responsible.
Troopers arrested 43-year-old Michael Hilliard on Saturday and charged him with criminal possession of a weapon. WENY in Elmira reports Hilliard was driving a U-Haul on Route 13 in Newfield and was stopped by Troopers before he entered the city of Ithaca. Troopers would not disclose any details regarding that incident.
A search warrant executed at Hilliard’s home on Sunday reportedly turned up suspicious and hazardous materials inside. Some neighboring homes in the area were evacuated and residents could be displaced until Tuesday.
State Police said they will provide more information as it is made available.
