Croton man arrested after hazmat, narcotics probe

• Hazardous chemicals and narcotics found inside condominium
• Multiple law enforcement agencies descend on condo complex
• Mayor%3A Suspect said he was %27aficionado at making chemicals%27

CROTON-ON-HUDSON – For nearly a decade, neighbors said, Eric Scuccimarra stood out for all the wrong reasons in the Half Moon Bay complex, a quiet, gated community of two- and three-story townhouses that list for as much as $750,000.

The industrial fumes that seemed to waft from inside his gray, shingle-style home. The strange chemicals that trickled from under the garage door late at night. The furtive trips in rented vans. The fact that Scuccimarra rarely ventured out of the house to socialize.

But the neighbors were nonetheless stunned to learn that Scuccimarra, 37, had been arrested in connection with hazardous chemicals and narcotics found inside 1803 Half Moon Bay Drive that led to the evacuation of several buildings on Saturday.

"He kept to himself completely," said Keith Young, 39, who lives across the street. "And it was unusual that someone would crack their garage door at 2 a.m. with unusual smells every now and then."

Scuccimarra was charged with third- and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, both felonies. Police said the charges relate to narcotics found inside the home.

Scuccimarra was arraigned by Judge Anne Minihan. He was being held Sunday at the Westchester County jail on $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond.

Asked about reports of a possible meth lab at the residence, Croton Police Chief Anthony Tramaglini responded: "We're not saying that. It's still under investigation."

The incident began around 9:50 a.m. Saturday when firefighters received reports of smoke in the basement of the 1803 and 1800 building. When firefighters arrived, they found a cache of "dangerous chemicals" and began evacuating nearby buildings, according to police.

Residents of the area described a frightening scene as a half-dozen or so law enforcement agencies descended on the street including Croton police, the state police's Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, a hazmat team and emergency services. Consolidated Edison responded to shut off electrical and gas service to the 1800 building.

"I looked out the window and there's a fireman who says, 'You got to get out,'" said Edward Hanerfeld, 91.

Residents who had been evacuated were allowed back into their homes around 10 p.m. Saturday after the area was declared safe.

Scuccimarra also faced legal troubles last year, when he was arrested on April 6 along with a passenger at a DWI checkpoint in Bedford. He was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree criminal possession of marijuana, both felonies, and driving while ability impaired by drugs.

More than a pound of marijuana, a quantity of hashish and drug paraphernalia were seized, according to state police. The disposition of that case was not immediately available.

A Croton police cruiser remained in front of the home on Sunday, where the garage was open, and a stack of boxes and containers could be seen. A gray Honda Civic was parked inside.

Police said the DEC was continuing to remove chemicals, which have not been publicly identified, from the home.

"The homeowner claimed he was an aficionado at making chemicals," Mayor Leo Wiegman said Sunday morning. "From a police perspective, we want to know what those chemicals are."

The Half Moon Bay condo complex, with its clusters of townhouses overlooking the river, was built in the late 1980s and 1990s. The 277-unit complex has attracted a mix of retirees, young couples and young professionals.

On weekends, residents take walks with their children and grandchildren, and neighbors talk in their driveways. The riverfront trail bustles with walkers, bikers and runners.

Speaking on Sunday morning, Keith Young said the scene was straight out of "Breaking Bad," in particular, its main character, a chemistry-teacher-turned-meth-cook named Walter White.

"You'd never imagine that in such a bucolic Westchester place, with a 'Stepford Wives' vibe, that you'd find a sinister 'Breaking Bad' character across the street," he said.

Staff writers Shawn Cohen and Yaron Steinbuch contributed to this report.

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