***UPDATE-Detectives Release More Information***

DSP News Release: Detectives Continue Suspicious Vehicle Investigation

Resume:

Newark: Delaware State Police detectives are continuing their investigation into a suspicious vehicle that was found at the I-95 Service Plaza this morning.

The incident began at approximately 7:05 a.m. as Delaware State Police were told to respond to the Sunoco gas station located in the I-95 Service Plaza in Newark. Upon their arrival, troopers were advised that an unknown subject had abandoned a black Honda Accord parked by one of the gas pumps earlier in the morning. After the troopers were unable to locate the owner of the Honda, they decided to tow it from the rest area. As two troopers, who are both assigned to State Police Troop 6 located on Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington, began an inventory search of the vehicle, they became overcome by fumes coming from the trunk area of the vehicle. Both Troopers complained of shortness of breath and were transported from the scene by EMS to the Christiana Hospital where they were both treated and released.

The area surrounding the vehicle was cordoned off until hazardous materials teams from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, as well as from responding fire companies, arrived. The vehicle was declared safe after an inspection was conducted by the hazardous materials teams. The vehicle was then removed from the scene.

Initial indication is that the trunk of the Honda contained a non hazardous material; however, the investigation into the exact nature of the chemical is on going. Detectives are still attempting to identify the owner of the vehicle.

Released Tuesday, August 02, 2011 at 2:35 p.m.

Original release below

DSP News Release: Troopers Investigate Suspicious Vehicle at Service Area

Location: I-95 Service Plaza, Newark, DE

Date of Occurrence:  Tuesday, August 02, 2011 at 7:05 a.m.

Resume:  

Newark: The Delaware State Police are currently investigating an incident in which two Troopers became sickened while investigating the report of a suspicious vehicle this morning.

Initial information is that two Delaware State Troopers were overcome by fumes emanating from the trunk of an abandoned vehicle parked by the fuel pumps at the Sunoco gas station located in the I-95 Service Plaza in Newark at approximately 7:05 a.m. The Troopers were transported to the Christiana Hospital where they are currently being treated for non life threatening exposure to an unknown chemical. A perimeter was set up around the vehicle until a hazardous materials team from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control could respond. The vehicle has since been declared safe.

This incident is still being investigated at this time. This is an initial release. A more detailed released will be forthcoming.

Released Tuesday, August 02, 2011 at 10:30 a.m.