Suspicious device puts White Plains neighborhood on edge before bomb teams secure area
An officer saw what appeared to be a small explosive device near the doorway of an apartment building at 11 Odell Avenue.
A suspicious device in White Plains prompted a large police response and shelter‑in‑place instructions on Monday morning.
The incident began after calls came in around 4:28 a.m. reporting a possible transformer explosion in the Odell Avenue area.
Officers checked several transformers but found no damage. The situation changed around 6:08 a.m., when an officer saw what appeared to be a small explosive device near the doorway of an apartment building at 11 Odell Ave.
Police established a perimeter and told nearby residents to remain inside as a precaution. The White Plains Emergency Services Unit and the Westchester County Hazardous Devices Unit responded and rendered the device safe. It was then turned over to Westchester County police. Officials with the FBI were also at the scene.
"FBI New York, the White Plains Police Department, and the Westchester County Police Department responded to reports of a suspicious device in White Plains, New York early this morning. As the investigation remains ongoing, no additional details can be provided at this time; however, there is no threat to public safety,” a spokesperson for FBI New York wrote in a statement.
The case is under investigation by the city’s Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from federal law‑enforcement partners. Police said two people of interest were being interviewed.
There were no injuries and no property damage. Police said there was no ongoing threat and residents were able to return to normal activity, though some temporary road closures remained.
Officials thanked residents who reported the initial activity and encouraged anyone with information to contact police or use the department’s confidential tip portal.
Some neighbors say the ordeal left them shaken up.
"Kind of concerning because of everything going on in the world right now, you don't know what to expect," said White Plains resident Van Brunson.
