Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS A member of the state police bomb squad examines the remains of the suspicious package after it was intentionally exploded outside the Circle K in Bedford last week. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

BEDFORD – When a patron at the Circle K convenience store on Technology Drive spotted a work bag and a pair of work boots sitting alone next to the service vacuums, he figured he’d bring them to the store clerk in case the owner returned looking for them.

The clerk happened to be in another room, however, so the good Samaritan left the bag and boots on the counter and left.

The clerk returned just in time to see the Samaritan “leaving quickly,” and upon discovering the items on the counter, grew concerned about what might be inside the bag.

When police responded to his call, they peered inside the bag and “found what they determined to be suspicious materials, including wiring,” police said.

So they “immediately evacuated the store” and called in the state police bomb squad to deal with the bag, which was also described as a suitcase.

Bomb squad members, “out of an abundance of caution,” police said, moved the bag out of the store and “conducted a controlled detonation.”

Upon examining the remains of the bag, officers determined there was no explosive device inside, according to police.

Through their investigation, police determined that the person who left the bag and boots behind had been vacuuming out his vehicle, but when he finished, he mistakenly left them behind.

“There will be no criminal charges pursued,” police said.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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