False Alarm: Bomb Squad Checks Suspicious Bag in Port Chester

In the wake of the bombings at the Boston Marathon this week, Port Chester Police say they've been called to check out several suspicious bags — each of them false alarms.

However, police say they are happy that residents are taking the time to call police.

"If you see something, say something," Port Chester Lt. James Ladeairous said. "We want the public to call us if they think there is a problem."

On Thursday, village officers checked out an old duffle bag, which turned out to be filled with old clothing. However, when an elderly Port Chester man hailed a police officer along Boston Post Road at about 4:17 p.m. Thursday, things got more complicated.

Ladeairous said the resident spotted a piece of luggage behind a closed restaurant. When a village officer inspected the luggage, Port Chester Police called for assistance from the bomb squad of the Westchester County Police.

Members of the county unit used a specialized x-ray machine and determined the bag was empty. Police opened the bag, confirming it was indeed empty.

This week, Westchester County also announced a campaign focusing on the Bee-Line Bus system. 

“Bee-Line riders are often the first line of defense when it comes to spotting suspicious packages or unusual activity on board buses,” Public Safety Commissioner George N. Longworth said. “I urge all those who use the Bee-Line system to alert the driver or call police immediately if they see something that doesn’t look right.”

Law enforcement officials ask for the public to be watchful for items such as unattended bags, backpacks and luggage at public places, transit hubs, major shopping areas and houses of worship. Ladeairous said police, such as in Port Chester, are committed to check out tips from the public as part of their efforts to safeguard the community.

In Rye Brook on Friday, the county bomb squad also went to the Hlton Rye Town to check out a supicious liquid which turned out to be linseed oil. Later, at Port Chester Middle School, there was a report of a suspicious man, but the incident turned out to be no threat to anyone.