Earlier this afternoon the Lawrence Police Department responded to Northern Essex Community College on Franklin Street for a report of suspicious person. Upon arrival the responding Units encountered an adult male in emotional distress, who is believed to be a student at the college. The Officers requested that an ambulance be dispatched to their location, to have the individual transported to Lawrence General Hospital for an evaluation. As the individual was being lead to the ambulance, he made reference that his backpack was "booby trapped". Out of an abundance caution the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad was called in to assist with the investigation. The Bomb Squad was able to determine that there was nothing in the back pack that posed any danger. There was no threat to public at any time.  

Chief Vasque is grateful for the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad, the Lawrence Fire Department and Lawrence General Hospital Emergency Services.

Contact: Detective Thomas M. Cuddy                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Special Assistant to the Chief/PIO                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  978-794-5900 Ext 647