Upstate New York Man Charged With Placing Fake Bomb In Little Library

A 26-year-old man is facing a felony charge after police say he placed what appeared to be a bomb inside a children’s “Little Library” at a public park in Upstate New York.

According to the Colonie Police Department, it all started on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, when officers were called to respond to the Colonie Mohawk River Park located at 71 Schermerhorn Road after receiving reports that someone had left a suspicious device inside the “Little Library” book nook near the playground.

For those unfamiliar, Little Libraries are small neighborhood book exchange boxes that operate on a “take a book, leave a book” honor system and are commonly used by families and children.

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Homemade Bomb Left at Park in Upstate New York

Upon arrival, investigators said they located the device and described it as a water bottle containing liquid along with a mason jar lid attached to a battery terminal, battery, and red and green wires. Due to the appearance of the device, officers called in the New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit to investigate.

Suspect Arrested in Colonie, NY

Following the discovery, investigators were able to identify the suspect as 26-year-old Brandon J. Arsenault of Cohoes, NY. Police didn't say how they identified Arsenault, but did say that he was arrested at his residence during the early morning hours of Sunday, May 17th.

Colonie Police Department Via Facebook

Arsenault has been charged with placing a false bomb or hazardous substance in the first degree, a felony. He was arraigned at the Colonie Town Court and sent to the Albany County Correctional Facility.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and they are continuing to investigate a possible motive. Anyone who observed the incident or has information about Arsenault is asked to contact Colonie Police Investigations at 518-783-2764.