East Providence Police investigate suspicious package at city business

EAST PROVIDENCE — Newman Avenue in the Rumford section of the city was closed to traffic for a significant period of time early Friday morning, Dec. 30, as East Providence Police and Fire Department personnel assessed a potential bomb threat.

According to EPPD Detective Lieutenant Raymond Blinn, an unknown man approached an employee of Shamrock Financial Corp., located at 75 Newman Ave., with "a large package that was wrapped in camouflage wrapping" at around 8:30 a.m.

According to the employee, the man handed over the package and quickly departed the scene but not before he said the following, “This is from a friend of a friend.”

Considering the delivery and the vague comment, the employee immediately contact the East Providence Police, who responded to the location. Officers at the scene "deemed the circumstances suspicious," according to Lt. Blinn.

The Rhode Island State Bomb Squad was notified and likewise responded to the location. Upon arrival, the Bomb Squad examined the package and determined it to be safe, that it did not contain any dangerous material.

Lt. Blinn said the matter is still being investigated, but at this time, it does not appear to be a malicious act.