State bomb squad detonates backpack found behind Camden post office
A section of Bay View Street in Camden was closed to traffic Friday afternoon following the discovery of an unclaimed backpack that was eventually destroyed by the Maine State Police Bomb Squad. (Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
(Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
(Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
(Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
The bagged remains of the detonated backpack. (Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
The remains of the detonated backpack, bagged up by the State Police Bomb Squad, is delivered to Camden police officers. (Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
Camden Postmaster Stephan P. Dalessandro looks happy while collecting the police tape and talking to Camden Police Officer Brook Hartshorn following the successful removal of the backpack from behind the post office building Friday afternoon. (Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
A section of Bay View Street in Camden was closed to traffic Friday afternoon following the discovery of an unclaimed backpack that was eventually destroyed by the Maine State Police Bomb Squad. (Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
(Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
(Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
(Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
The bagged remains of the detonated backpack. (Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
The remains of the detonated backpack, bagged up by the State Police Bomb Squad, is delivered to Camden police officers. (Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
Camden Postmaster Stephan P. Dalessandro looks happy while collecting the police tape and talking to Camden Police Officer Brook Hartshorn following the successful removal of the backpack from behind the post office building Friday afternoon. (Photo by Holly S. Edwards)
CAMDEN — A section of Bay View Street in Camden was closed off for a few hours Friday afternoon while state and Camden police investigated a backpack that had been left leaning up against the back of Post Office Building.
About 30 minutes after the Maine State Police Bomb Squad arrived on Bay View Street, a trooper was assisted into a protective suit and made his way across the street to inspect the backpack. The unattended bag was then destroyed in a controlled manner, in case it contained an explosive device, where it was left between the post office building and the back of the Camden National Bank building.
According to Camden Police Sgt. Dan Brown, nobody knew how long it had been there, but it was discovered at approximately 1:20 p.m. and post office personnel called the police about it.
After the backpack was blown-up by the bomb squad, Brown said it was determined the contents were only clothing and personal items.
Explaining why the caution and temporary disruption to foot and motor vehicle traffic in the busy downtown area on the first night of the Independence Day holiday weekend, Brown said, “It's not about what's in it, but about how we handle it. It’s probably nothing, but we are all on heightened alert this weekend, it is a federal building and we can't be too cautious.”
Camden Fire Department provided assistance to Camden police with traffic control around the area during the incident.
Brown said state police have responded to three similar incidents so far this weekend.
Reach Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com and 706-6655.
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