photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HAWTHORNE, NJ – A quiet Park Avenue neighborhood was the scene of a major emergency response on Thursday, July 24, after a resident received an unexpected package containing a mysterious white substance, prompting a 911 call.
Around late Thursday afternoon, the homeowner reported the suspicious delivery, triggering a multi-agency response that included the Hawthorne Police Department, Hawthorne Fire Department, Hawthorne EMS, and the Passaic County HazMat team.
🚨 Emergency Crews Respond to Possible Hazard
First responders quickly arrived and set up a staging area in front of the home. Police officers cordoned off the area with yellow “Crime Scene – Do Not Cross” tape, while firefighters canvassed neighboring homes to ensure no other residents had received similar packages.
EMTs evaluated the homeowner who initially handled the package, while HazMat specialists prepared to investigate the scene.
🧪 HazMat Team Investigates
A HazMat team member wearing full protective gear, including a respirator and specialized metering equipment, entered the home. About 20 minutes later, the specialist emerged carrying the suspicious package.
On-site testing determined the mysterious white powder was “non-toxic and non-lethal”, but the substance could not be conclusively identified.
🕵️ Investigation Underway
Hawthorne police took custody of the package as evidence for further investigation. The resident who came in contact with the substance declined additional medical treatment after the initial evaluation.
Authorities have not yet determined the origin of the package or the intent behind the delivery.
đź“Ś Community Reassurance
While the incident caused concern among neighbors, officials stressed that there is no immediate threat to public safety. Nearby residents were allowed to return to normal activity once the HazMat team cleared the scene.
The Hawthorne Police Department is continuing to investigate and will release more information as it becomes available. Stay updated on state and national news that affects you. From politics to policy, from culture to current affairs, our eBlast will keep you well-informed . http://eepurl.com/bgt6T #RidgewoodBlog #News #LocalNews #StateNews #NationalNews #Subscribe #StayInformed #Community
