STONEHAM — Chief James McIntyre reports that the Stoneham Police Department responded after a resident located a suspicious device near his home this afternoon.
Shortly after 2 p.m., an officer on patrol was flagged down by a local resident on Chestnut Street who was performing yard work and found a suspicious looking item in bark mulch near his home.
The resident handed the item to the officer, who then immediately brought it to Recreation Park, which was the closest open area.
After an initial investigation, Stoneham Police requested the assistance of the Stoneham Fire Department, Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad and Fire Marshal’s Office.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham and Wakefield, located near the park on Dale Court, was evacuated and children were taken to a nearby park while first responders investigated.
After an examination by the Bomb Squad, the item was deemed harmless and the children were allowed to return to the Boys and Girls Club.
“I would like to thank the members of the Stoneham Police Department, Stoneham Fire Department and Massachusetts State Police for the quick and professional manner in which this incident was resolved,” said Chief McIntyre. “The staff members of the Boys and Girls Club did a great job with relocating the children in a safe and timely manner.”
Access to Dale and Gerry Courts was temporarily restricted during the investigation. Police cleared the scene around 3:30 p.m.
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