Officer examines the device
MONTICELLO – “How are you doing Ishmael?” read a note
attached to a boom box AM/FM/cassette player with wires protruding that
was left along the side of Route 42 near the Route 17 overpass in Monticello
Thursday morning. The state transportation worker who found the device
at 8:15 a.m. called the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office to report
it.
Deputies responded to the scene and found the black box with several
coils of wire attached to the rear along with the note. They cordoned
off the area and call the State Police Hazardous Device Unit. A bomb sniffing
K-9 responded, examined the package and officers decided to destroy it
in place using a water-powered cannon to smash it up, thereby disabled
it.
Upon examination, it was determined that it did not contain any explosives.
As for the message left with the device, Undersheriff Eric Chaboty said they are exploring it.
“We are not sure what the significance of the letter was, but in this post-911 year you must be cautious and take all precautions possible,” Chaboty said.
The investigation continues.
Busy Route 42 between Monticello and Kiamesha was shut down until police determined the object was harmless
