Crime & Safety

Fake Bomb Planted On Portsmouth City Christmas Tree: Police

Portsmouth police said Richard Will was arrested after planting a fake bomb on the city's downtown Christmas Tree on Market Street.

PORTSMOUTH, NH — A man was arrested after Portsmouth police said he planted a fake bomb on the city's downtown Christmas tree. Richard Will (pictured), 36, with no fixed address, was arrested last week and charged with criminal threatening, a misdemeanor. He was released on bond.

Portsmouth Police Lt. Darrin Sargent said on Dec. 1 — moments before the city's holiday parade started — a witness reported Will attached a suspicious device to the downtown Christmas tree on Market Street. Officers recovered the device, comprised of a watch zip-tied to a phone affixed with pieces of metal.

"The item appeared to be constructed in a way to resemble an explosive device," Sargent said in a statement.

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The device was inert and Sargent said it was all a hoax.

Will will be arraigned Jan. 14 in Portsmouth District Court.

Find out what's happening in Portsmouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Portsmouth police provided a photo of the device:

Photo credit: Portsmouth Police Department

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