TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—A report of a suspicious package on Wednesday, Jan. 22 prompted an evacuation of nearby homes and the closure of Beech Street as local and county agencies responded.
The Township of Washington Police Department was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of Beech Street after the homeowner reported receiving an unexpected brown cardboard box from an overseas address. The package raised concerns due to its origin and the fact that it was not anticipated by the resident.
As a precaution, the Township of Washington Police closed Beech Street, and nearby homes were evacuated. Multiple agencies were called to the scene, including the Washington Township Fire Department, Washington Township Ambulance, Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, Bergen County Sheriff’s K9 Unit, Bergen County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, and Bergen County Hazmat.
After a thorough investigation, it was determined that the package contained an unexpected item sent from a third party and posed no threat.
In a statement, the Township of Washington Police expressed gratitude to the agencies involved and the residents affected. “We want to thank all the assisting agencies as well as the residents for evacuating quickly and listening to the officers, making the evacuations happen smoothly,” the department said.
Police Offer Guidance on Handling Suspicious Packages
The WTPD reminds residents to exercise caution if they encounter a suspicious package. They recommend the following steps:
- DO NOT open or shake the package.
- DO NOT carry, show to others, or bring it to the police department.
- DO NOT sniff, touch, or taste the package.
- Alert others in the area.
- Create a list of anyone present in the room where the package was received.
- Leave the area and call the Township of Washington Police at 201-664-1140.