Abandoned Vehicle With Saddam Hussein Poster Prompts Long Island Road Closure: Police

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — A suspicious vehicle featuring a poster of former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, on its hood prompted the closure of a portion of a Long Island roadway on Friday night, police said.

North Village Avenue in the normally quiet village of Rockville Centre was shut down at around 9:30 p.m. when bar, restaurant, and movie patrons would have been still been out and about, as a bomb squad searched for explosives, the Rockville Centre Police Department said Saturday.

Village police officers had responded to a suspicious vehicle call, with the vehicle in question having a poster and written on the hood was, "When you close your eyes everyone is blind," the department said in a statement to residents.

The quote is similar to others attributed in the islamic Quran, Mahatma Ghandi, and to Jesus Christ.

The unregistered vehicle appeared to have wires coming out of the dashboard, and its hazard lights were on, prompting officers to notify the county's Bomb Squad "for a more thorough investigation."

"I understand that such situations can be alarming, and I want to assure you that the safety of the Rockville Centre community is my top priority," Police Commissioner Randy Dodd said. "After a meticulous examination, the bomb squad confirmed that there was no threat associated with the vehicle in question."

The vehicle was impounded for further investigation, police said.

A Nassau police spokesman confirmed Saturday night that the department is conducting an ongoing investigation.

"I want to emphasize that your safety remains paramount, and our police department is committed to maintaining a secure environment for all residents," Dodd said. "I appreciate your patience and cooperation during these situations, and I understand the concerns that events like these may raise."

"Remember, if you see something, say something. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding," he said.