OAKLAND — A State Police mechanical robot on Wednesday blasted open what appeared to be a pipe bomb left on the steps of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.
The device turned out not to be a pipe bomb, but police and the state Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating why it was left on the steps of the church and what, exactly, it contained.
“It (contents) does not appear to be illegal,” Sgt. Ken Grimes of the state Fire Marshal’s Office said at the scene.
A passerby on Church Street noticed the device on the church steps around 9 a.m. and flagged down a police officer, according to police Captain Rick Stubbert.
Stubbert arrived to inspect the pipe, which was capped on either end and painted gray, the same color of the steps, he said.
“I was concerned enough that we’re taking it very seriously,” Stubbert said around 10 a.m. at the scene “It’s fashioned to look like a pipe bomb.”
Police called the state Fire Marshal’s Office, which contacted the State Police Special Services Bomb Team.
Police closed Church Street to traffic on either side of the church just before 10:30 a.m. and evacuated homes within view of the church. The Fire Department and Delta Ambulance stood by at a command post set up in front of Wheeler Funeral Home on Church Street.
State police escorted the mechanical robot out of the Bomb Team van at 11 a.m.
The robot traveled down Church Street, turned toward St. Theresa’s and ambled over the sidewalk to the church steps.
“Fire in the hole!” Grimes shouted at 11:28 a.m. from the van’s ramp, where he was standing.
The robot fired a bullet-type charge to interrupt the pipe device and open it up, creating a loud blast.
Grimes said just before noon that the pipe did not contain any explosive material.
He would not day what the material was while the case is being investigated, but indicated more information might be available later in the day.
As officials worked at the scene, neighborhood residents came out of their homes to watch.
“It’s kind of shocking that this is happening, especially at a church,” said Josh Davidson, 21, of Church Street.
He and his girlfriend, Michelle Gilley, 20, said they had to park Gilley’s car down the road because police had closed off the street.
The couple watched the robot go down the street and then they heard the blast.
“Pretty exhilarating,” Davidson said. “They (police) got here quick. They got the job done. It’s amazing.”

The church was closed for the winter season but is expected to open again this spring.

Amy Calder — 861-9247
acalder@centralmaine.com

 

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