Police, Bomb Squad Called In After Man Tries To Set Himself On Fire Near World Trade Center
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Police say a man has been taken into custody near the World Trade Center, after apparently pouring gasoline on himself and trying to set himself on fire.
Officers stopped the man before he could carry out his horrific plan and took the man to a local hospital for evaluation. Police later labeled the man as an emotionally disturbed person.
It happened around 4 p.m. on Vesey Street near West Street – creating major gridlock as police closed down the area to investigate a suspicious package that was also at the scene.
The NYPD Bomb Squad was called in to check out the suitcase left nearby, but later deemed the object to be safe. Authorities added that the two incidents appear to be completely unrelated to each other.
Earlier today, @NYPDCT Officer Hernandez, with his quick reaction & training, prevented a suicidal male from lighting himself on fire in front of the World Trade Center. Great job by Officer Hernandez & all the WTCC officers who assisted. pic.twitter.com/EH8aSOoZqd
— NYPDCounterterrorism (@NYPDCT) October 23, 2019
NYPD officers were still in the area Tuesday evening, although West Street has reopened
There are still residual back-ups being reported.
Police are also still talking to the man who tried to set himself ablaze to find out his motives.