Reading Scare Was A Pipe, But Not A Bomb

READING, MA — In the end it was a pipe, but not a pipe bomb. But for more than four hours Wednesday night Reading Police along with the FBI, ATF, State Police and Reading Fire Department treated it like the real thing.

What looked like an explosive device was detonated in a quiet Reading neighborhood, about three hours after a resident first reported spotting it in his backyard. Approximately 20 homes were evacuated near the Rachel Road home as FBI, ATF, State Police, and Reading Police swarmed the scene.

Reading Police Chief Mark D. Segalla said that the pipe was about 6-8 inches long with wires coming out of both ends. But at a 10:30 p.m. press conference he said, "this was not a pipe bomb." Authorities said there was no explosives in the pipe.

About an hour earlier at 9:41 p.m., the pipe was buried in sand, "Fire in the hole!" was bellowed out, and the pipe was detonated. Police said no one was in danger. They added that the pipe was detonated in part because x-rays at the scene were inconclusive (Subscribe to Reading Patch or like us on Facebook for more local news updates.)

The home and the abutting residences were evacuated out of an abundance of caution. Motorists were urged to avoid Summer Avenue between Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue due to the ongoing police activity. About 50 people, media and residents alike, lined Summer Avenue, about 100 yards from Joshua Eaton Elementary.

David Libby called police when he saw a suspicious package in his backyard. Libby, a man in his 70s, lives in the home by himself. Libby's neighbor Lee Ventola told Patch she was told to leave the home around 6:15 p.m.

"I got home and there were police cars outside my house and I couldn't get into my driveway," Ventola said. "It's scary. You don't expect something like this. It's a quiet neighborhood."

Police responded to Rachel Road, a side street off of Summer Avenue capped by a cul-de-sac, at 6:15 p.m. Upon arrival, police observed a suspicious object and cordoned off the area.

Police set up flood lights on the yard for the night. But at 10:15 Rachel Road residents were allowed back into their homes.

The last remaining question was where did the pipe come from? Segalla said that part of the story is still under investigation.

This is a breaking news update. Additional information will be released as soon as possible.

Photos by Bob Holmes, Patch staff