Crime & Safety
Rome, NY Alert Today: Explosive Material Found in Vehicle
Rome, NY – A federal facility in Rome, Oneida County, near Utica was temporarily closed Wednesday morning after a commercial vehicle triggered an alert for possible explosive material, prompting a bom
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-09-30T19:55:50.961Z
Rome, NY – A federal facility in Rome, Oneida County, near Utica was temporarily closed Wednesday morning after a commercial vehicle triggered an alert for possible explosive material, prompting a bomb squad response and traffic rerouting.
According to the City of Rome Police Department , officers responded around 7:15 a.m. Wednesday to 525 Brooks Road, which houses the Air Force Research Laboratory and Defense Finance and Accounting Service, following a suspicious activity complaint.
Police said the Air Force Research Lab’s Division of Police reported that a commercial vehicle visiting the facility triggered an alert during a routine scan indicating it contained explosive material.
The facility was subsequently closed while authorities investigated, and traffic in the area was rerouted.
Rome police patrol officers initially secured the scene and assisted with traffic control. The Oneida County Sheriff ’s Office canine unit and New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit also responded.
Authorities said investigators determined the commercial vehicle contained explosive material. The material was rendered safe and the scene was cleared, according to police.
Officials did not disclose what type of explosive material was found, why it was inside the commercial vehicle or whether investigators believe there was any criminal intent.
Following the initial response, the investigation was turned over to the Department of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Rome police said multiple agencies assisted during the incident, including the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Air Force Research Laboratory Division of Police and Rome Fire Department.
No injuries were reported in the police announcement.