Bergen County Pair Arrested At Abandoned IBM Complex In NY, 1 With Loaded Gun: Police

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Two Bergen County residents were arrested Saturday at an abandoned IBM complex in New York State, one of whom had a loaded gun, police said.

According to the New York State Police, on Saturday, around 1 p.m., police in the town of Somers headed to Ridge Way on a report of several vehicles parked along the shoulder. Police believed someone might be trespassing at the complex, which has become a popular exploration site for influencers.

State police and Bureau of Criminal Investigation members searched the property and the parking lots, police said.

They found and arrested Benjamin F. Volino, 25, of Mahwah, and Violette O. Nidds, 24, of Ridgewood, police said.

Volino had a crowbar with him, police said, and when they searched him, they found a loaded 9 mm gun.

He also had property that was taken from the complex, including a Sony camera and a large power strip, police said.

He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon (loaded firearm outside home or business), burglary (armed with a deadly weapon), two counts of stolen property, and possession of burglar's tools, state police said.

Nibbs was charged with third-degree criminal trespass, police said.

Volino was arraigned in the Town of Somers Court and taken to the Westchester County Jail in lieu of $7,500 cash, a $25,000 bond, or a $15,000 partially secured surety bond, state police said. He must appear in Town of Somers Court Monday at 5 p.m.

Popular Abandoned Site

The complex, vacated a decade ago, has become a popular exploration site for influencers, with some calling it "untouched" since 2016. It was designed by I.M. Pei's architecture firm.

One video shows mugs still on desks and plates stacked for dining.

The New York State Police cautioned about exploring such structures.

"In addition to the legal consequences, these locations are inherently dangerous," said Public Information Officer Krystal Paolicelli. "Many abandoned buildings are structurally compromised and may contain hazardous materials, open shafts, exposed wiring, or other unsafe conditions that can result in serious injury or death."