Updated October 11, 2011

On 10/10/11 at 11:50 hrs a motorist located a black bag on the side of the road and put it into his vehicle. He then proceeded to a family members residence on Gentry Drive. Upon examining the contents of the bag, the subject saw wires, plastic bottles and detected a chemical odor. The wires were fastened to plastic bottle caps. Upon smelling the odor the subject had some shortness of breath. He then notified the police that he located a suspicious bag and of the contents.

Responding officers began to investigate the scene. They secured the area and evacuated local residences via reverse 911. (Gentry Dr, Ramsey Way, Stuart Ct) Evacuated residents were advised that they could respond to police headquarters while the matter was investigated.

The Morris County Hazardous Material Unit, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s K-9 and Bomb Squad were requested to assist with the investigation.

Upon further investigation the Hazardous Materials Team was able to determine that the chemical in question was an organic matter that posed no risks. The contents of the black bag including the wires and plastic bottles appeared to be used to mount deer repellant to trees. It was undetermined how the black bag arrived at the location that it was found.

A second notification via reverse 911 alerted residents that they could respond back to their homes. Residents of the affected area are thanked for their cooperation during the evacuation.

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