Unattended Backpack Evacuates Rutgers Behavioral Health Facility

PISCATAWAY, NJ — An unattended backpack caused a Rutgers University psychiatric building in Piscataway to be evacuated Thursday morning, said police.

However, the backpack has been deemed to be not a threat, said Rutgers University Police Chief Kenneth Cop.

At 8 a.m. Thursday, someone noticed a suspicious backpack that had been left unattended outside 671 Hoes Lane West in Piscataway (University Behavioral Healthcare). It was leaning against the rear of the building and a plug extended out of the backpack into a nearby outlet, which heightened the alarm, said police.

671 Hoes Lane West in Piscataway is this facility that houses Rutgers University behavioral health and provides psychiatric services for children, teens and adults.

As a precaution, the building was evacuated, said Chief Cop. The backpack was deemed safe by law enforcement personnel and everyone was allowed back inside shortly after 10 a.m.

The backpack was removed from the area by police, but whoever owns it has not been identified. Rutgers campus police ask that anyone with additional information, please contact the RUPD Detective Bureau at 848-932-8025.

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