UPDATE 4:41 p.m.: Officials at the scene have confirmed that their presence is not related to a meth lab, specifically.
“There is possible chemical involvement,” according to Sergeant Kevin Slattery of the Ithaca Police Department. Slattery declind to comment on the nature of those chemicals as that was “the catalyst of the investigation.”
Currently, no one is being detained or held in custody.
New York State Environmental Conservation is also on the scene.
Slattery said there will be a news release later today that will provide additional details on the incident.
UPDATE 4:33 p.m. : Officials have said that it could be as long as several hours before an official statement is released about the incident. The road is still closed.
Previously —
ITHACA, NY – Around 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, authorities responded to reports of a vehicle fire near the 100 block of Cherry Street in Ithaca.
Ithaca Police and the Ithaca Fire Department have since cordoned off the area, under “suspicion that it may be involved with meth,” according to one IPD officer at the scene. That has not been confirmed.
Another officer stated that there was a “breathing hazard” in the area.
New York State Police are en route to join IPD and IFD already on the scene.
The road is closed on West State Street and Brindley Street. Vehicles have been seen leaving the area but none are permitted to enter.
A media area is being set up, and an Ithaca Voice reporter is on the way to learn more.
This is a developing story.
Jolene Almendarez contributed reporting.
