Shopping plaza in Groton reopens after package found

GROTON, Conn. (WFSB) - A shopping center in Groton is back open after police received a call about a suspicious package earlier Saturday.

That package is no longer suspicious and there is no threat to the public.

Around 12:30 p.m. someone who was shopping outside of the Groton Shopping Center called in about a suspicious package wrapped tightly.

They found it on an island in the parking lot.

Officers arrived on scene. Customers and employees sheltered in place until it was safe to leave and then they were escorted out.

On Thursday there were pipe bombs found in Groton.

Police Captain Gregory McCarthy said that person is still in custody and it’s not clear if the two incidents are related.

People at the scene said this comes as a total surprise as Groton is a pretty quiet town.

“Typically this doesn’t happen here and I’m just very surprised. We haven’t had a bomb threat in quite some time. It’s not on the regular,” said Ronald Losecano of Groton.

“Why are people willing to do these things to cause more mayhem for other people,” said McCarthy.

There is no threat to the public.

This comes after a busy last couple days in Groton.

Thursday, officers discovered multiple metal pipe bombs in a backpack after responding to a medical call.

The devices were disabled by the bomb squad.

The backpack belonged to Benjamin Dahm. He was taken into custody and is currently being held on a $150,000 bond.

Multiple Groton schools went into lockdown Friday morning for reports of an active shooter. Officers responded to several schools, and it was quickly determined the incident was likely swatting.

“I can’t say they’re connected but it’s certainly a concern,” McCarthy said. “I think all of us thought, no necessarily connected with these pipe bombs but why are people willing to do these things to cause more mayhem for people.”

“Typically this doesn’t happen here and I’m just very surprised. We haven’t had a bomb threat in quite some time. It’s not on the regular,” said Losecano.

McCarthy said if you see something concerning and a reasonable suspicion, don’t hesitate to call 911.

They are also looking through security cameras and traffic cameras around the area.

This is a developing story.

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