Police ID Man Accused Of Bringing Explosives Into SBU Hospital

STONY BROOK, NY — A 33-year-old man faces numerous charges after he brought three explosive devices into Stony Brook University Hospital Tuesday night, Suffolk County police said.

Robert Roden is charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree criminal contempt and two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Additional charges are pending, police said.

He walked into the hospital's emergency department with a BB gun, tactical vest and backpack, authorities said. A hospital security guard called Stony Brook University Police, who took Roden into custody. He was found to have three explosive devices in a backpack, police said.

Two floors of the hospital, including the emergency room, were evacuated. The emergency room reopened at about 1:30 a.m. this morning.

On Wednesday, a search warrant was executed at Roden’s home on Wavecrest Drive in Mastic Beach. Police said they found more explosive devices, which are being evaluated by the FBI.

Roden was held in custody at the Seventh Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip Thursday.

Roden was arrested in December on a charge of second-degree menacing with a weapon, according to court records. That case is still pending.

Suffolk police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also investigating the case.