Authorities are investigating a possible bomb threat at Griffiss.

UPDATE 6/19/2015 5:24 pm-  A 53-year old Richfield Springs man has been arrested following an incident at Griffiss International Airport in Rome.

Rome Police Chief Kevin Beach says his department received a call just before 9:00 this morning from personnel at Griffiss about a suspicious person on the property.

Beach says Andrew Demidenko was arrested after making statements that were of concern to police.

He says K9 units from the Oneida County Sheriff's Office and State Police were called in, but he would not comment on reports of a bomb threat.

Demidenko is charged with disorderly conduct and will undergo a mental health evaluation.

Beach says further charges are pending.

Authorities say Demidenko was dressed in camouflage and had a dark-colored substance covering his arms and face.

UPDATE 6/19/15 12:49 P.M. : Rome Police Chief Kevin Beach says his department received a phone call from personnel at the Griffiss International Airport at 9:15 this morning regarding 'an incident'.

The incident, which Beach would not elaborate on at this time, led to a person being taken into police custody. Beach said this person, whom police are 'speaking with', is not facing any charges at this time.

When asked directly about a bomb threat, officials would not confirm or deny that they were looking for a bomb. The airport is still open and operational, officials said.

However, an Oneida County Sheriff's Deputy was parked on Hangar Road near the airport aviation building and was not letting traffic pass.

There is no danger to anyone at Griffiss Business and Technology Park and 'everything is secure', Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol said. Some employees are under a 'Shelter in Place' order this afternoon, meaning the can't leave their respective buildings, he said, but would not say which buildings or employees were affected.

UPDATE: 06/19/2015 12:37 pm Authorities say a "person of interest" is in custody following an incident this morning at Griffiss International Airport in Rome.

UPDATE: 06/19/2015 11:32am Authorities are preparing to address the media and provide an update.

UPDATE: 06/19/2015 11:25am  A portion of Hangar Road has been closed to traffic.  Several businesses are located along Hangar Road including the Eastern Air Defense Sector, Lockheed Martin, Midair, Million Air, and Premier Aviation as well as the offices of the Oneida County Airport Administration.

 

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UPDATE: 06/19/2015 10:18am  Resources have been called in to investigate what is now being reported as an active bomb threat at Griffiss.  No official information is being released.  WIBX will have a reporter on the scene and will bring you the most up to date information as soon as it is available.

Original Story:

Rome Police are investigating activity near Griffiss International Airport and Griffiss Business and Technology Park.

No official information is being released about the particular nature of the incident, although witnesses have reported hearing that there was a bomb threat.

Law enforcement sources have confirmed that a K9 unit has been sent to search for possible explosives.  However, authorities indicated that this is standard procedure.

An arrest has been made.  However, specific details are not yet available and authorities say there is nothing about which to alarm the public.

(with additional reporting by: Kristine Bellino)

 

 

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