Suspect ID'd after suspicious device removed from near Manhattan NYPD precinct

EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) – The NYPD identified a suspect after a suspicious device was left outside a Manhattan police precinct Wednesday. Chontrell Wrenick, 50, was charged with criminal possession of a possible explosive device, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon and possession of a bomb. A car with two men, who were cousins, [...]

EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) – The NYPD identified a suspect after a suspicious device was left outside a Manhattan police precinct Wednesday.

Chontrell Wrenick, 50, was charged with criminal possession of a possible explosive device, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon and possession of a bomb.

A car with two men, who were cousins, pulled up to the 25th Precinct on East 119th Street in East Harlem around 11:50 a.m., according to authorities. The driver got out and accused the passenger, Wrenick, of assaulting him with a machete.

The victim told police officers where to find the machete, which they found. Wrenick was then taken into police custody, according to authorities.

The victim then told police officers about a potentially explosive device inside the car. The NYPD bomb squad responded to the scene and removed the suspicious device around 3 p.m., per police.

"The device is a potentially viable improvised explosive device based on its outside appearance," NYPD Lt. Mark Torre said during a news conference. "A pipe-bomb-type device that is relatively large."

Wrenick is also facing charges for allegedly assaulting his cousin, according to authorities. He was charged with assault with a weapon causing physical injury and criminal possession of a weapon.