Suspicious Device Forces Evacuation At Salem State University

SALEM, MA -- Officials evacuated the Ellison Campus Center on the campus of Salem State University Monday night and sent out an alert cautioning students and staff to stay away from the building after a suspicious device was reported. The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad was called to the scene to remove the device.

According to Salem Ma Firefighters Local 172, the device was x-rayed and determined to be a "non-explosive hoax device." The alert was lifted after about 35 minutes. The incident remains under investigation.

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Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).