Man Accused of Dropping Suspicious Package Arrested on Unrelated Charges

A man was arrested on unrelated charges after allegedly dropping a suspicious package on a sidewalk Wednesday in Reading, Massachusetts.

The package was found in the 600 block of Main Street in front of a business shortly before 12:30 p.m. Out of an abundance of caution, surrounding apartments and businesses were evacuated.

The state police bomb squad responded and determined the package was not dangerous. Police did not elaborate on what was in the package.

Police believe 46-year-old Russell Kirby of Malden dropped the package. He was not charged in this incident, but he was arrested on warrants for three shoplifting charges, a charge of larceny over $250, and a charge of assault and battery on a public employee.

It was not immediately clear if Kirby had an attorney.

Contact Us