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North Tonawanda Police investigating after finding explosive devices in apartment

City detectives say they spotted several suspicious items, at which point drug, bomb, firearms, and HAZMAT experts were called to the Tremont Street apartment.

NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. — A North Tonawanda man suffered burns to his hands and face, and crews from multiple law enforcement agencies shut down a street to investigate.

The city's police department said it was called to 232 Tremont Street to check on a structure fire. Officers noticed a large amount of smoke coming from the apartment in question.

The resident, Daniel Benchik, told responding officers that he had burned food in the kitchen. Officers noted burns on his hands and face and that he needed medical attention. No one else was injured.

North Tonawanda detectives say they spotted several suspicious items at the scene, at which point the Niagara County Drug Task Force, Erie County Bomb Squad, Niagara County Hazmat, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were all called in to help investigate.

Benchik received treatment for his injuries. Charges are pending, and the investigation is ongoing.

Police say they recovered several explosive devices from the apartment but did not elaborate on their construction.

A portion of Tremont Street, between Vandervoort Street and Payne Avenue, was closed for some time on Sunday but was reopened shortly past 8 p.m.

A 2 On Your Side photojournalist spotted North Tonawanda Police, North Tonawanda Fire, Twin City Ambulance, and Niagara County HAZMAT teams at the scene Sunday evening.

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