'Suspicious Package' at Maplewood Train Station Was Harmless

In response to a reader's tip about police activity at the Maplewood train station this morning, Patch followed up with Dan Stessel, public information officer for NJ Transit. This information was provided by Stessel:

Shortly after 7 a.m., NJ TRANSIT Police received a call for a suspicious package on the eastbound platform at Maplewood Station. The report originated from an NJ TRANSIT employee, who observed a green metal box under one of the benches on the platform. NJ TRANSiT Police responded and cordoned off a portion of the platform.

An NJTPD K9 unit responded and cleared the box, which was subsequently found to contain scrap papers, trash and a flashlight. The investigation was completed and the full platform was reopened shortly after 8:30 a.m. There was no impact to train operations, and no disruption to passengers as a portion of the platform remained open.