Police investigate bomb threat reported at Peconic Bay Medical Center

Riverhead Town police are investigating an anonymous bomb threat reported Wednesday at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead.

Hospital staff at Peconic Bay Medical Center, 1 Heroes Way, contacted the Riverhead Town Police Department after receiving an anonymous phone call from an unknown male stating that unknown person(s) had placed bombs outside the hospital, police said.

“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,” Peconic Bay Medical Center 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,” she said.

Patrol units responded and searched the exterior of the hospital but found no signs of suspicious activity, explosive devices or bomb-making materials, according to police.

The Riverhead Town Police Detective Division responded and initiated a further investigation. The investigation remains ongoing, police said.

Once police concluded that there was no credible threat and gave the all-clear, Loeb said, the lockdown was lifted.

During the investigation, patient care and hospital activities continued without interruption, Loeb said. She expressed gratitude to the Riverhead Police Department for its quick response and thoroughness.

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

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Riverhead Town Police Department at 631-727-4500. Police said all calls will be kept confidential.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to add a statement from PBMC President Amy Loeb.