Possible Suicide Attempt Exposes Mineola Residents to Unknown Chemical

were called to a residence in Mineola late Saturday afternoon after a potential suicide attempt occurred using an unknown chemical.

According to Deputy Inspector James. F. Bartschrer, the call was received from the friend of a young man who was possibly trying to kill himself. When police officers arrived on scene, they found the subject inside his car, which was parked in his driveway, apparently using a chemical agent to kill himself. Officers removed the man from the car and sent him to .

“He was unconscious and unresponsive but he had not yet passed,” Bartschrer said. “He was still alive when we brought him to the hospital…We do not know what the chemical agent was. Some of the officers were feeling some of the effects of that.”

Two officers, a sergeant and an EMT were checked out at the hospital because “they were feeling some effects” as a precautionary measure.

“I’ve spoken to all of them and they all seem to be fine now,” Bartschrer said.

A hazardous materials unit was brought to the scene to contain the unknown substance. Haz Mat unit personnel entered the house in full gear to locate and isolate the chemical.

“Part of the process is taking preliminary vital signs if anybody is going to get suited up,” Bartschrer said. “That way, if there are any ill effects we would know that it is from that.”

Houses on either side of the residence were also evacuated as a precautionary move. Bartschrer reported that once the incident was contained, residents would be allowed back into their homes unless Haz Mat “saw anything else in there.”

Neighbors of the victim, who asked to not be identified, said that the police knocked on their door and asked them to leave their house for the time being.

“They usually don’t have all of these trucks here, so it has to be something serious,” said resident Jo Noto, who came down to the scene when she heard all of the commotion.

Bartschrer explained that Winthrop was taking "their own precautionary measures.” The hospital diverted ambulances to other local hospitals following the incident. Winthrop reportedly made the decision independently and was not directed to take that action by the police department, he said. The WInthrop emergency room was closed from 5:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“As I understand is that some of the chemicals might have been on the clothing of the person who came in,” Bartschrer added. “Some of the hospital staff might have been feeling some of the effects. Again, as I said, a precautionary measure.”

Bartschrer added that the Haz Mat team would work to identify the chemical, but the police were unsure if a definitive answer would be available on Saturday or Sunday.