Bomb Scare Triggers Police Response In Colonie, New York

On Saturday, May 16th, Colonie Police were alerted to suspicious activity, which they promptly responded to.

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Bomb Scare in Colonie

On May, 16th, a concerned citizen was walking through Colonie Mohawk River Park at 71 Schermerhorn Road when he observed something  out of the ordinary. He saw a young man place a device inside a little library book nook in the park.

These are small, birdhouse looking structures that house a few books that you're free to take and read. These are high foot traffic areas, and are frequently visited by families and young children.

The citizen made a call to Colonie police, who arrived on the scene shortly after. Colonie Police Investigators were able to locate the device, which was a water bottle filled with an unidentified liquid, a mason jar top with battery terminal, a battery, and red and green wires.

Nothing More Than a Scare

The New York State Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) responded to the call as well, and were able to determine that the device was inoperable, and thus, incapable of causing harm.

The suspect, Brandon J. Arsenault, was arrested at his home in Cohoes in the early hours of Sunday, May 17th. Arsenault was identified by the citizen who made the call, who observed him placing the device in the little library.

The case is still open and ongoing, looking for motives from Mr. Arsenault. New York State Police are currently working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for assistance.

If you observed the incident, or have any information on Arsenault, please contact Colonie Police Investigations at 518-783-2754.