UPDATE 3:15PM -- New York State Police held a press conference at 3PM to announce the arrest of a suspect in the investigation into a possible explosive and hazardous materials found in Chemung County.  

According to Troop E Commander, Maj. Miklos Szoczei II, on November 6th, a Veteran Highway Department employee found a possible explosive on Merka Road, and called 911. The New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit and FBI made the explosive safe. 

State and federal law enforcement began investigating the incident, interviewing neighbors and companies across the country, narrowing down a possible suspect.

On November 11th, authorities arrested Michael P. Hilliard, 43, of Horseheads, and charged him with 1st Degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. State Police confirmed Hilliard was arrested after authorities intercepted a U-Haul on Route 13 in Newfield Saturday evening. Scanner reports indicate police were following the U-Haul around 6:30PM Saturday, working to stop the vehicle before it entered the city of Ithaca. NYSP would not discuss any other details regarding that incident. 

On the morning of November 12th, authorities executed a search warrant at Hilliard's apartment home at 207 South Main Street in Horseheads, where the NYSP Bomb Disposal Unit and Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCERT) and Forensic Identification Unit discovered suspicious and hazardous materials inside the home.

The immediate surrounding area was evacuated for safety concerns, until the home is cleared. South Main Street between Franklin and Broad street will remain closed until further notice, potentially up to 48 hours. Affected residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross and the Horseheads Fire Department. 

Anyone with information should contact New York State Police at 585-398-4100.

HORSEHEADS, NY (WENY) — New York State Police have evacuated part of Main Street in Hanover Square, in Horseheads due to possible hazardous materials. 

According to NYSP, the New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit and Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team are clearing a residence at 207 South Main Street for possible hazardous materials. They say East Franklin Street to Broad Street will be closed to the public until further notice.

NYSP have evacuated the area and are asking the public to stay clear until further notice. 

WENY News has a crew on scene, where police tape and barricades can be seen blocking off South Main Street from Hanover Square, south beyond the Horseheads Village Police Department. 

New York State Police are expected to host a press conference at some point today - WENY News will provide updates as we get them.