Hopewell Township police investigated a report of a suspicious package at Hopewell Gardens yesterday, resulting in the arrest of a 56-year-old Hopewell man.
Shortly before 5 p.m., officers on the scene were informed that a cardboard package with suspicious writing on it had been left just outside of the mail room by an unknown person, according to a police report.
Police evacuated the east wing of the building as a safety precaution and closed down a section of Denow Road in front of the apartment complex.
Members of the New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit responded to the scene to examine the package. At approximately 7 p.m., the package was deemed to be empty and harmless.
Mercer County Sheriff Officer Neil Jantos and his K-9 partner then conducted a further search of the building. The building was declared safe and residents were able to return to their apartments at approximately 7:25 p.m.
The suspect, Masanoly Aiken, was placed under arrest. The Hopewell Gardens resident was charged with false public alarm, terroristic threats and causing or risking widespread injury or damage. He is currently in custody at the Hopewell Township Police Department, and his case will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Township police officers were assisted by members of the Pennington Fire Company, Hopewell Valley Emergency Services and the Pennington Borough Police Department.
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