Horseheads, NY - A portion of South Main Street in Horseheads has been closed and evacuated following the discovery of hazardous materials at a residence. The New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit and Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team are currently clearing the residence located at 207 South Main St., prompting the closure and evacuation.

The investigation began on November 6 when a Veteran Highway Department employee responded to a 911 call about a possible explosive found on Merka Road in the Town of Veteran. The New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit and the FBI were called to the scene to safely handle the explosive.

Following interviews with neighbors and companies, authorities identified Michael P. Hilliard, 43, of Horseheads, as a suspect in the case. Hilliard was subsequently arrested on November 11 and charged with first-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class B felony. He remains in custody at the Chemung County Jail.

A search warrant was executed at Hilliard's South Main Street home on November 12, where several hazardous materials were discovered. As a result, part of South Main Street was closed and residents in the immediate area were evacuated. The closure and evacuation are expected to continue until the hazardous materials in the house are deemed safe. The Red Cross and Horseheads Fire Department are providing assistance to the displaced residents.

Due to the nature of the materials found, the local branches of the state police and the FBI have requested additional resources from Quantico and Alabama to aid in the safe removal and disposal of the hazardous materials.

The authorities have urged the public to avoid the area during the road closure and evacuation. Anyone with information regarding the hazardous materials, the incident on November 6, or Michael P. Hilliard is encouraged to contact the New York State Police at 585-398-4100.

The investigation is ongoing, with updates scheduled to be provided at a press conference in the coming hours.