Authorities said Tuesday that no traces of chemicals – or any substance – were found on the clothes of a drifter who’s blistering stomach triggered a hazardous materials scare Monday in Northumberland County.
Yet, the man, identified by state police as Nicholas Brooks, 27, with no known home address, was listed in critical condition Tuesday afternoon at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. And the chief of Dalmatia Area Ambulance told how his close contact with the man Monday revealed an odor he’s never experienced before and “took my breath away.”
As the conflicting developments add to the mystery in this bizarre incident, state police and Norfolk Southern Corp. railroad were in disagreement Tuesday as to who was leading the investigation. Ultimately, state police released the man’s name, after saying in a press release late Monday that they wouldn’t reveal it unless criminal charges were filed.
The full story is on the Republican Herald website.