EDISON, N.J. (AP) -- Police say a New Jersey jeweler found dead inside his store may have succumbed to cyanide poisoning.
Edison police Lt. Joseph Shannon identified the victim as 46-year-old Sushil Bhalla.
A store employee found him unconscious in a restroom shortly before 1 p.m.
Police found a container with 4 to 5 ounces of cyanide in a back room at the store where Bhalla was working. Cyanide is used in jewelry cleaning.
Shannon said authorities are uncertain whether Bhalla died from a heart attack or exposure to the chemical.
Edison Patrolman David Stern was taken to a hospital as a precaution. Initial reports of additional injuries proved unfounded.
Neighboring businesses in the strip shopping center were evacuated as hazardous materials units investigated.
E-Mail Story
Print Story
