Vehicle Containing Medical Waste Carjacked In Darby
By Matt Rivers
DARBY, Pa., (CBS) – Police are searching for two suspects who they say stole a vehicle containing medical waste during a carjacking Friday afternoon.
The carjacking was reported at about 1:30 p.m. at the 200 block of Mill Street in Darby.
An employee of Cardinal Health got out of his white Toyota and was immediately approached by a man with a gun. Police say the suspect jumped out of another car that pulled up and he drove off in the vehicle containing syringes of radioactive waste.
Authorities say the substance doesn't pose a threat to public health, however, they do not want the public handling the materials.
"We realize that when you see something that is marked radioactive material, it is going to cause panic -- don't. There is no radioactive threat at this point, but there is always a biological hazard anytime you are dealing with any type of medical waste, regardless of where it comes from," said Chief Inspector Joe Sullivan of Philadelphia Police.
Anyone who sees the suspects or the vehicle is asked to contact police immediately.
The victim's mother told CBS 3 her son is fine physically, but is struggling emotionally.
"He's upset, he's concerned about his home, his family, his car, everything," she said.
The incident remains under investigation, but police said they believe the suspects thought they were stealing narcotics.
"They were likely trying to steal something of value, but instead got something else," said Robert Smythe, Darby Borough Police Chief.
Police asked the general public not to approach the suspects nor the medical waste containers if found, but instead to call 911.
Stay with CBSPhilly.com for the latest information on this developing story…
