For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Reading Police Arrest Man After Suspicious Package Found

READING — Chief Mark D. Segalla reports that the Reading Police Department responded after a suspicious package was found on a sidewalk on Main Street, and a Malden man who allegedly dropped the package was arrested on unrelated charges.

RUSSELL KIRBY, AGE 46, OF MALDEN was arrested on warrants out of Malden and Chelsea District Courts on the following charges:

• Shoplifting (three counts)
• Larceny Over $250
• Assault and Battery on a Public Employee

At approximately 12:22 p.m., Wednesday, officers were dispatched to the area of 603 Main St. for a report of a bag that had been left on the sidewalk. Officers examined the bag and, out of an abundance of caution ordered the evacuation of surrounding apartments and businesses.

While conducting a preliminary investigation into the package, Reading Police were given a description of a man seen leaving it in front of the building. Soon afterward, officers located KIRBY, who matched the description given by witnesses. Upon identifying KIRBY, it was determined that he had multiple arrest warrants, and he was arrested.

KIRBY has not been charged in connection with the suspicious package, which did not contain explosives. The investigation is ongoing.

“While the investigation into this incident remains active, there is absolutely no active threat and the scene has been cleared,” Chief Segalla said. “We appreciate the cooperation of the public as well as the assistance of our law enforcement partners that responded.”

The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad responded at the request of the Reading Police Department and determined that the package was not dangerous.

The Reading Fire Department, Massachusetts State Police, Environmental Police and Stoneham Police, as well as agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms responded to the scene. The Wakefield Fire Department provided mutual station coverage in Reading during the incident.

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