Meriden

Police detonate explosive device found on sidewalk in Meriden

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Police detonated some type of explosive device that was found on a sidewalk in Meriden Friday morning.

A person walking on Cook Avenue called police after noticing the device, according to officials.

Police shut down the area near Hanover Street and Randolph Avenue while they investigated. People in the area were told to shelter in place.

Meriden police said the state police bomb squad was activated and responded to the scene.

Police safely detonated the device around 12 p.m. and two loud booms could be heard. Roads in the area have since reopened.

"We are hoping there are no others, but as of right now, it's the only one we know of and the community and everybody should be safe," Police Captain John Mennone said.

People were startled to hear an explosive device intentionally go off near a busy intersection in town.

"More curiosity than scared, I wanted to see how big the explosion was, if there was an explosion, or what it was," Mari Littuma of Meriden said.

Littuma lives down the street, and he has several questions about who left the explosive and why.

"Why they placed it and why there, too, out of all the spots, it's weird to leave it on the street," he said.

His co-worker was also concerned but relieved police were able to detonate the explosive without anyone getting hurt.

"I'm happy to hear the services for our police department are working, so more than anything, I felt safe," Julian Cusnia of Meriden said.

Police say the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the police department.

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