Rash Of Fire Hydrant-Tampering Incidents Reported In Wading River: PD

WADING RIVER, NY — Police are investigating a string of fire-hydrant tampering incidents in Wading River.

According to Riverhead Town police, on Thanksgiving at about 6:09 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Hulse Avenue and 10th Street in Wading River after the report of an open fire hydrant that was flooding the roadway at the location, making the roadway impassable for motor vehicles to drive.

The fire hydrant was closed and the flow of water was stopped, police said. The Riverhead Highway Department also responded to clear clogged storm drains that were the result of the opened fire hydrant, police said.

On Friday, at about 10:54 p.m., the Riverhead Police Department again responded to the Wading River area, specifically, Sylvan Drive, for another report of an open fire hydrant with what appeared to be a makeshift fire hose attached and placed in a nearby wooded area, flooding the area with water from the open fire hydrant, police said. The Wading River Fire Department also responded and closed the fire hydrant.

On Saturday at about 3:47 a.m., the Riverhead Police Department again responded to the Wading River area, specifically, Bayberry Road, after another report of an opened fire hydrant at that location which had flooded the roadway, storm drains, and the yards of nearby residences, police said.

Additionally, the flooding overwhelmed a cesspool at a nearby residence, which in turn caused flooding and considerable damage inside the residence, police said.

The Riverhead Police Department's detective division is assisting with the investigation, which is ongoing. Residents are encouraged to be vigilant in observing any suspicious persons or vehicles near fire hydrants in their respective neighborhoods and if any suspicious activity is observed, to contact the Riverhead Police Department immediately at 631-727-4500.

All calls will remain anonymous.