Suspicious Package By Tracks A False Alarm

A black mysterious package at was determined to be an overhead projector, a relief to the several agencies that responded to the top of E. Ridgewood Avenue at 8 a.m. Friday.

Police Chief John Ward said a commuter spotted a black case at Village Framer near the tracks. Police could not see any markings on the package and called the county bomb squad in response, Ward said.

Due to the proximity to the tracks, trains were shut down temporarily, as was foot traffic in the area. The two buildings at the top of Broad and E. Ridgewood Avenue were evacuated, he added.

The bomb squad, using an X-Ray machine, determined the device was an overhead projector from Bergen Community College. Police are still investigating how the package got to Village Framer.

The police chief apologized to any commuters whose trips were disrupted but said responders "can't take chances."

The area was reopened with trains running as scheduled by 10 a.m.