November 13, 2023
New York State Police have put out a statement about why the State Trooper’s bomb squad was in Horseheads Sunday afternoon. The NYSP Bomb Squad and the FBI were there investigating 43 year old Michael Hilliard. Hilliard was said to have had a possible explosive device and dangerous chemicals inside his residence.
He was charged with 1st degree criminal possession of a weapon and was remanded to the Chemung County Jail.
See full statement from NYSP below.
On November 6, 2023, a Veteran Highway Department employee rendered 911 services to Merka Road in the town of Veteran for a found possible explosive. Members of the New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit and FBI responded and made the explosive safe. Members of the State Police and our federal partners diligently investigated numerous leads over the week by interviewing neighbors and seeking information from companies across the United States, which yielded a possible suspect. On November 11, 2023, Michael P. Hilliard, age 43, was apprehended and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree (B Felony). He was arraigned and remanded to the Chemung County Jail.
On November 12, 2023, the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation executed a search warrant at Hilliard’s residence at 207 South Main Street in the village of Horseheads. The NYSP Bomb Disposal Unit, Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team, and Forensic Identification Unit located several suspicious hazardous materials inside the residence. The immediate surrounding area of the residence has been evacuated for safety concerns until the suspect’s residence is cleared of all hazards to the public. The residents who have been evacuated will be assisted by the Red Cross and the Horseheads Fire Department.
The New York State Police are working in conjunction with the FBI for the disposal of all hazards. East Franklin Street to Broad Street will be closed to the public until further notice. We ask the public to remain clear of the area while the scene is being processed.
The New York State Police would like to thank the community and displaced families for their patience during this incident. Updates will be provided as they become available.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the New York State Police at 585-398-4100.
This is an active investigation.
