Bedford Police Release Information On Suspicious Item Blown Up

BEDFORD, NH — Bedford police responded to the Irving Circle K on Technology Drive on Friday after a man left a suitcase inside the convenience store that had suspicious materials inside.

Police arrived on the scene at about 8:30 p.m. and were notified by store personnel that a suspicious man had left the suitcase in the store. Responding officers located the suitcase and looked inside of it and found suspicious materials.

The store and gas station were immediately evacuated and the business closed. The New Hampshire State Police Bomb Squad was called to the scene by Bedford police.

A bomb technician utilizing protective gear entered the store to examine the item. The front doors to the store were opened and state police used a device to remove the item, bringing it to the parking lot.

Once the item was away from the structure the bomb tech set up a small amount of explosives and conducted a controlled detonation of the device.

Through its investigation, Bedford police determined a patron was cleaning out their vehicle at a service vacuum at the stations — and neglected to put their work bag and work boots back into the vehicle.

A Good Samaritan found the items, brought them into the station, and left them on the counter when the clerk was not there.

There was no threat to the community and there will be no criminal charges pursued.

Watch as New Hampshire State Police remove and detonate the device at the gas station.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news