Man Attempts To Detonate Backpack At Train Station: PD

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle police arrested a man at the train station who was accused of trying to blow up a backpack. Police said they responded to the New Rochelle train station shortly after 2:30 p.m. Monday because of a report of a man attempting to detonate a backpack that he was wearing.

Officers said they spotted him seated on an outside bench, wearing a nylon pouch that had wires sticking out of it. There were also several cigarette lighters attached to it.

Police approached Thomas J. Skoupa, 54, of New Rochelle, who stood up, extended his right arm and activated a small flashlight, turning it on and off several times.

He was taken into custody without further incident.

Police said the device was removed from his body and found to be a radio/Walkman wrapped in electrical tape and connected with wires.

It was inoperable, authorities said.

Skoupa was charged with felony making a terroristic threat.

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