An unexplained explosive device was found just outside the entrance of a suburban New York apartment complex on Monday, leading authorities to issue a shelter-in-place directive after residents in the typically serene, tree-lined area reported hearing loud blasts, as confirmed by reports and officials.
The intense noise that reverberated through the White Plains district shortly before 4:30 a.m. was initially mistaken for a malfunctioning transformer. However, when officers arrived at Odell Avenue following numerous emergency calls, they discovered no signs of damage, according to the White Plains Police Department.
Upon further inspection, an officer identified what seemed to be a “small explosive device” near the entrance of the apartment building on this residential street, prompting authorities to instruct nearby residents to remain indoors, according to police statements.
Additional law enforcement and the specialized Westchester County Hazardous Devices Unit were dispatched to secure and neutralize the suspicious item.
White Plains Public Safety Commissioner Wade Hardy confirmed that the device was indeed explosive, though it lacked any mechanism for remote detonation, as reported by Lohud.
Local resident Yulissa Severino shared with the outlet that she heard two loud explosions during the night, reminiscent of similar sounds heard in the neighborhood in recent weeks.
Despite police not finding anything when Severino heard booms a few weeks ago, she woke Monday to find officers swarming the area and urging her to stay inside as two handcuffed men were led out of the apartment building where the explosive was found.
“Those other times I thought someone was going to blow up the block, it was so loud, like they were experimenting,” Severino said. “There’s a war going on, so you think about that.”
White Plains Police confirmed they are interviewing two “people of interest” in the explosive probe.
An investigation into the incident will be led by the White Plains Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of Federal Law Enforcement partners, cops said.
“We are pleased to report that there were no reported injuries to anyone or damage to any property,” the police department wrote in a news release.
“At this time, there appears to be no ongoing threat to the public, and our citizens are safe to resume normal activity in the area. There may be some temporary road closures. We understand that this morning’s events caused concern, and we want to assure the public that the safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
