Merrimack Premium Outlet Mall Evacuated For Suspicious Package

MERRIMACK, NH - Merrimack fire, and police responded to a call for a suspicious package at the Sketchers store in the Merrimack Premium Outlets on Saturday at about 4:20 p.m.

While en route dispatch advised a package arrived yesterday and was opened today, nothing was in it but a suspicious material.

Merrimack Police directed that the entrance to the mall at 80 Premium Outlets Blvd. be closed to incoming traffic. The Merrimack Fire directed the outlet mall to utilize the fire alarm to assist in evacuating the mall.

Nashua Fire Rescue "Special Hazards" Hazmat Team was dispatched to assist Merrimack Fire Rescue at the scene.

UPDATE: Members of Nashua Fire used detection equipment to analyze the package. After the analysis was complete, it was determined that no hazard existed and the package and the store were turned back over to the employees according to Merrimack Fire Chief Matthew Duke.

The Premium Outlet Mall remains closed for Saturday evening but will reopen Sunday under normal operations. In addition to Nashua Fire Rescue, Merrimack Police assisted at the scene and the Manchester and Amherst Fire Departments covered Merrimack stations. All personnel cleared the scene just after 7:00 p.m..

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news