By BETSEY BURGDORF
According to Westfield Police Captain David Wayman, at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, police received a 9-1-1 call from a female individual walking in Brightwood Park who was experiencing difficulty breathing. Response units located the individual, identified as a Westfield resident in her early 20s, in a remote section of the park adjacent to Fanwood Avenue. It was determined she was covered with a hazardous chemical material.
In close proximity to the individual was a make-shift structure containing unidentified chemicals. Two officers who came in contact with the chemicals and the individual were decontaminated at the scene. The individual, and one officer were transported to the hospital for treatment; one officer was taken to the hospital for observation.
Officers from Westfield Emergency Services Units were seen loading rifles and one was seen wearing what appeared to be a tank on his back. Captain Wayman told The Westfield Leader and The Times that screams were heard within the park, the source of which could not be determined.
The Union County HAZMAT Units, EMS Units, as well as Westfield Fire Department and Police form Westfield and Scotch Plains were on the scene and the area closed to residents and traffic. The tent-like structure has been secured and the removal of the hazardous material was in process of being planned.
Captain Wayman stated that if the materials were not found to be criminal in nature, they would be cleared by HAZMAT and taken to the Froelich Building for testing. If they are found to criminal, arrangements will be made to deliver them to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
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