Crime & Safety

[UPDATE] Hazmat Teams Respond to Suicide Email

Police and emergency responders converge on a Cortlandt home.

State and local emergency responders were called to a Cortlandt home after reports that someone tried to take his own life using dangerous chemicals.

Lt. Doug Larkin of the New York State Police said a married man between the ages of 55 and 60 had emailed a friend saying that he was going to commit suicide and warning that responders would need to use self-contained breathing apparatus.

State police and hazmat teams from local fire departments responded to 42 Westminster Drive before 5 p.m. The cul-de-sac was blocked off and residents of four nearby homes were evacuated. 

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At 6:46 p.m. the scene at 42 Westminster Drive swarmed with police and EMTs waiting for a crime-scene containment crew. State Police said Hazmat teams cleared the house and located the male subject alive. 

He was taken into custody without incident and transported to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla for further evaluation.

Find out what's happening in Peekskill-Cortlandtwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Last year, an Irvington man in a closed car; police called to the scene found "CALL HAZMAT" signs taped to the windows. The national Centers for Disease Control began tracking "chemical suicides" several years ago.

Check back with Patch for updates.


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