No risk from suspicious bag in Massapequa

The Planned Parenthood office in Massapequa and neighboring buildings were evacuated for about an hour Friday night after a suspicious bag was spotted in the parking lot.

Nassau police said the duffle bag was later claimed by its owner and determined not to pose any risk.

Police responded about 5:20 p.m. to the office at 35 Carmans Rd., across from Westfield Sunrise Mall.

The office, which operates until 8 p.m. on Fridays, was closed for a dinner break, when an employee went outside and saw the bag, said JoAnn Smith, president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood of Nassau County.

The concerns ended when a man known to the staff returned for the bag, she said. The office reopened about 6:30 p.m.

"It was a false alarm and we're grateful to the police," Smith said.