MEDFORD, Mass. – Authorities shut down a portion of the west side of the Mystic Valley Parkway to investigate a possible explosive in a Medford park on Saturday afternoon. The Massachusetts State Police and the Medford Fire Department responded to the scene to investigate a piece of “military ordinance” found at the Condon Shell, a park along the Mystic Valley Parkway. Images shared by the MSP showed that the item appeared to be a defused mortar. Fortunately, after investigating, it was determined that the item was inert, and the scene was cleared.
The investigation led to the closure of the stretch of Route 16 known as the Mystic Valley Parkway for at least an hour and a half between Main Street and Winthrop Street. The first alert about the possible explosive was sent out by an agency at around 2:30 p.m.
The Medford Police department confirmed in a tweet that the device was determined to be inert and was removed, allowing the street to be reopened. The incident caused some disruption in the area, but normalcy was restored once the scene was cleared.
Overall, the authorities’ swift response and efficient investigation helped ensure the safety of the area. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough and careful investigations when potential threats are identified in public spaces. It also highlights the collaboration and coordination between different law enforcement and emergency response agencies to keep communities safe.
In conclusion, while the initial alert caused concern and disruption, the successful investigation and removal of the inert item ultimately led to the reopening of the affected area. This outcome reflects the effectiveness of the response by local authorities and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of public spaces.