Bomb Squad Responds To Possible Pipe Bomb In Reading
READING (CBS) -- A possible pipe bomb had police responding to a Rachel Road home and evacuating the surrounding area, according to officials.
The Reading Police Department posted about the incident on Facebook around 7 p.m. on Wednesday saying, "Chief Mark D. Segalla reports that the Reading Police Department is on scene after a resident found what they believed to be a pipe bomb next to their home."
The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad also responded.
Reading PD & State Police Bomb Squad investigating what's believed to be pipe bomb found in Rachel Rd yard. Neighbors evacuated #WBZ pic.twitter.com/jZC4aqIz8P
— Juli McDonald (@julimcdonald) May 25, 2017
It was not until hours later that residents of the approximately 20 houses evacuated were allowed home.
"It's a precarious situation, so I am glad that they are taking their time," said one bystander.
"Better safe than sorry," added another man.
Shortly after 9:30 p.m., officials, still uncertain whether the object was a bomb or not, had the bomb squad "perform a controlled detonation" on the device.
Bomb squad just performed a controlled action on the device.
— Reading Police (@ReadingPolice) May 25, 2017
The object was then deemed not a pipe bomb and removed from the area for testing.
Drivers were asked to avoid Rachel Road, and Summer Avenue between Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
Police said they are investigating whether the device contained any explosive materials or not.