Arrest Made in 'Suspicious Devices' Case That Put NH on Alert

CHELMSFORD, MA - The FBI has made an arrest in the case of suspicious devices found in Massachusetts that put two states on alert concerning the safety of utility companies and power lines, according the Chelmsford MA Patch.

Danny M. Kelly, 61, of School Street in Chelmsford, was arrested on April 2, 2016.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the FBI. It does not indicate a conviction. Click this link to find out how to get a name removed from a New Hampshire Patch police report.

Officials said Kelly was taken into custody without incident following the bureau's investigation into suspicious devices found on March 30 in Tyngsborough.

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At the time of the incident, around 3 p.m., firefighters were sent to a brush fire near Locust Avenue. Crews noticed that there were items nearby the transmission system that didn’t appear to be part of the utility system. National Grid was alerted and then they called in law enforcement. Mass. State Police and FBI special agent bomb technicians responded and identified multiple incendiary devices similar in structure to pipe bombs in the area, according to officials.

The found devices, which resembled pipe bombs, had officials in New Hampshire concerned enough to organize conference calls between state emergency management, the public utilities commission, local police, and utility companies, and all involved began coordinating efforts to inspect power lines in the Granite State. Utility companies around New Hampshire began looking into areas of the state to see if there were any issues. Emergency management officials have not updated the press in New Hampshire about the efforts.

It is unknown at press time what charges Kelly faces or any details about the case. Public safety agencies are on alert due to increased terror threats and have been making preparations for potential incidents. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, as an example, announced Friday that it would be holding training at the Seabrook nuclear power plant next week.

Chief Richard D. Howe of Tyngsborough, MA, and Chelmsford MA Police Chief James M. Spinney issued the following statements on this morning's arrest.

"We are grateful to the FBI and our neighbors for their hard and efficient work during this investigation," Howe said. "Through municipal, state and federal partnerships we were able to bring a swift resolution to this case."

"This is a fine example of collaboration among all levels of law enforcement," Spinney said. "Our teamwork ensured that the public remained safe at all times."

NH Patch will update this story when more information becomes available.