Suspect in Durham, NH hazmat situation identifies chemicals

Aug 04, 2023

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A Ph.D candidate at UNH is facing criminal charges after an apparent hazmat situation near campus over the weekend.

Police said the suspect, Emad Mustafa, 29, called authorities himself on Saturday, saying he may have been exposed to a toxic chemical.

He was taken to the hospital and treated, but that process launched a multi-department investigation.

Town officials in Durham said Mustafa identified the chemicals as mercury, sodium and dimethyl sulfate.

Dimethyl sulfate is used to make dyes, pharmaceuticals and perfumes.

Mustafa is now facing charges for alleged reckless conduct with a deadly weapon and improper disposal of hazardous materials.

Neighbors told WMUR a house was searched Tuesday morning by the hazmat team.

Police said a search warrant was executed there at the direction of the Strafford County Attorney's Office and Mustafa was arrested.

Police would not say what kind of deadly weapon was allegedly involved.

A neighbor on Oyster River Road showed WMUR a photo of a bag they say was taken out of the home.

They and others on the street said they have had a lot of questions since the initial hazmat response on Saturday, including whether or not the area is safe, especially with children living nearby.

Police said that the hazardous material was identified and contained, and there is no active threat to the public.

Mustafa is expected to be arraigned next month and could face up to seven years in prison on each charge.