Masked suspect drops off suspicious item at Elmwood Park lab; bomb squad discovers it’s a jar of jam

Officers identified the masked suspect as Rachel Greenwald, a BioReference employee from another building.

Lauren Pena

Apr 1, 2023, 4:21 PM

Updated 635 days ago

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A bomb squad responded to BioReference Laboratories in Elmwood Park Friday morning after a masked individual holding a sign bearing the name of a supervisor dropped off a suspicious jar and fled the building.
At 9:09 a.m., police, Bergen County hazmat and a bomb squad responded to a call reporting the incident. Around 125 employees were evacuated from the building.
An officer and K-9 conducted a sweep for explosives, which yielded negative results.
The bomb squad and hazmat crew deemed the scene safe after they determined the sealed jar was mango chili jam and did not contain any hazardous materials.
Officers identified the masked suspect as Rachel Greenwald, a BioReference employee from another building. Greenwald was apprehended at a Planet Fitness 10 minutes away from the scene.
Authorities say Greenwald’s motive was to make the recipient uncomfortable because she was known for being a tough supervisor.
The detective bureau says they signed complaints against Greenwald for harassment and disorderly conduct.