ESSEX — Essex Police are advising the public to never move or transport suspected explosive devices, after a well-meaning resident caused the evacuation of the Public Safety Building on Monday by bringing a suspicious device inside.
On Monday, March 16, at approximately 4:09 p.m., a resident walked into the lobby of the Essex Police station with what they believed was an unexploded mortar shell that they found while metal detecting on their property.
The Public Safety Building was immediately evacuated as a precaution. Police and firefighters had to then stand by outside while they awaited the arrival of the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad to investigate the device.
The Bomb Squad arrived within an hour, and used an X-ray to determine that the devices was not explosive. It appears the devices was an empty fuel canister that resembles an aged and rusting mortar shell.
The resident who found the device was well-meaning, but caused a significant disruption, so police are advising everyone to avoid bringing suspicious devices into the Public Safety Building.
“I’m advising the public that suspected explosive devices should never be moved or transported,” said Police Chief Thomas Shamshak, Jr. “It is imperative that anyone who finds such a device leave it in place and call 911 immediately. Suspicious devices should never be transported in vehicles.”
