Suspicious Package Closes Mamaroneck Avenue/I-95

Mamaroneck Avenue near I-95 is back in business after the road was closed for most of Wednesday morning due to a "suspicious" package found in a parked car.

The discovery of potential explosives — which turned out to be a false alarm — at around 9 a.m.– shut down Mamaroneck Avenue near the Thruway on ramp for about 2 1/2 hours, as well as I-95 itself in both directions for a brief time, according to Village of Mamaroneck police. Buildings in the area were evacuated as well.

The incident started when police received a called from the Shell gas station located at 974 Mamaroneck Avenue  reporting of a possible disabled vehicle blocking the entrance of the station and partially blocking the sidewalk.

"Upon investigation of the vehicle, the investigating officer, Officer Paul Massi, observed a suspicious package in the rear of the vehicle which appeared to be an explosive device. The Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department and EMS were notified as well as the Harrison Police Department, the Westchester County Bomb Squad and the NY State Police," a Village Police Department press release said. 

Just prior to the bomb squad arriving on scene, contact was made with the registered owner of the vehicle, who believed the package was part of his child’s Halloween costume, police said.

"Erring on the side of caution, the bomb squad continued their investigation. After gaining access to the vehicle though the rear window, it was confirmed the package was indeed part of a costume. The package can be described as three tubular shaped objects with exposed wires, wrapped in duct tape with the words ‘danger,’ ‘explosives’ on it," the press release said. 

County and local police reopened both roads and started clearing out by 11:30.

No charges were filed.

,