Bomb threat prompts police search at Peconic Bay Medical Center

Peconic Bay Medical Center was on high alert Wednesday after a bomb threat was called in to the Riverhead hospital.

An unknown man claimed in an anonymous late-morning call that bombs had been placed outside the facility, according to Riverhead Town police.

Hospital staff immediately contacted police, and PBMC was placed into an emergency lockdown. Patrol officers searched the grounds but found no suspicious activity, explosive devices or bomb-making materials.

“The health, safety and security of our patients, staff and community is the hospital’s foremost priority, and, as such, we immediately contacted law enforcement and initiated an emergency lockdown in accordance with our active alert protocol,” President Amy Loeb said in a statement. “This meant that visitors were not permitted to enter or leave the facility while the Riverhead Police Department conducted a comprehensive search. It was concluded that there was no credible threat.”

The lockdown was lifted shortly after the police department issued an all-clear report. During the investigation, patient care and hospital activities continued without interruption.

“We are grateful to the Riverhead Police Department for its thoroughness and greatly value our ongoing partnership to protect the community. The hospital leadership team is committed to maintaining a high level of vigilance when it comes to hospital safety,” Ms. Loeb said. “We are continuing to work closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure necessary measures are in place.

“I commend the hospital staff and security team for their prompt and responsible action in responding to this threat and their unwavering commitment to caring for our patients.”

The department’s Detective Division is continuing the investigation. Out of an abundance of caution, there may be a heightened police presence at the hospital for the remainder of the week.

Anyone with information is asked to call Riverhead Town police at (631) 727-4500. All calls will be kept confidential.