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A Long Island man was arrested after allegedly bringing explosive devices into Stony Brook University Hospital.
A hospital security guard called State University Police at Stony Brook regarding a suspicious man in the Emergency Department at approximately 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9.
Officers arrived at the hospital and were able to take the man, Mastic Beach resident Robert Roden, into custody before calling the Suffolk County Police Department at approximately 9:05 p.m. because of a suspicious package inside his backpack.
The Suffolk County Police Bomb Squad and Canine units responded to the hospital, and it was determined that Roden was in possession of three explosive devices in his backpack.
According to police, as a precautionary measure, two floors of the hospital, including the Emergency Room, were evacuated. There were no injuries and the Emergency Room reopened at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10.
Further investigation into Roden found that he was in possession of multiple explosive devices in his home. The devices are currently being investigated by the FBI.
Rodney Harrison, the Chief of NYPD Detectives, said that Det. Salvatore Billigmeier noticed a man in a tactical vest arguing with a hospital employee, prompting him to spring into action.
“That same individual later returned with a large backpack, prompting the detective to follow the suspect and call SUNY Police Department,” he said. “The individual was subsequently apprehended and officers discovered multiple 9mm magazines, an imitation firearm, and a suspicious device on him.”
Roden, 33, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal contempt, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Additional charges are pending, police said. Roden is currently being held and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Thursday, June 11.
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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