POUGHKEEPSIE – Members of the New York State Police Dive Team had Main Street blocked off at Waryas Park on Friday at noon, creating speculation among visitors to the waterfront. Onlookers gathered just outside of the perimeter to watch while offering their opinions on what was taking place.
One person seeking to spend lunch at the river but was turned away told Mid-Hudson News “I have seen police divers down here in the past, but they never shut the road down,” adding “It must be something serious.” Another onlooker, trying to take his son to the waterfront park said “I’m sure they’re just training because they aren’t moving with any sense of urgency.”
A State Police spokesman from Troop F confirmed to Mid-Hudson News that the activity was part of a training exercise. When asked about the unusual road closure, the Trooper said the exercise was a joint event with police K9 units and the road closure was for safety reasons.
No K9 units were observed at the scene when Mid-Hudson News was there at 12:30 p.m.
