Scotch Plains Police Department - Press Release

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – October 13, 2023  – On October 13, 2023, at approximately 11:19pm,  Scotch Plains Police officers responded to the 300 block of Myrtle Avenue on a report of criminal mischief to a vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers spoke to witnesses who reported seeing a vehicle of unknown make and model pull up in the area. The occupant of the vehicle threw an object out the driver's side window towards a parked New Jersey Transit vehicle. The object was determined to be a roll of toilet paper wrapped in duct tape that had been soaked in what is believed to be rubbing alcohol. Upon further examination, it was determined that it also had a small bottle inside that was also filled with rubbing alcohol.

The Union County Bomb Squad, Scotch Plains Fire Department, as well as detectives from the Scotch Plains Police Department responded to the scene. Evidence from the scene was collected once the bomb squad deemed the scene safe. The device never detonated.

This incident is under active investigation at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Jason Everitt at 908-322-7100 ext. 113 or Detective Lieutenant Stan Pearson at 908-322-7100 ext. 117.

Jeffrey J. Briel

Chief of Police