Reading PD evacuated as precaution after explosive device was brought in

READING, Mass. — The Reading Police Department was evacuated on Thursday morning as a precaution after an explosive device was brought in.

In a tweet, the department said the building was evacuated "out of an abundance of caution" when someone brought in an explosive device for disposal.

Police said it is unknown if the device is live or not, which is why a bomb squad was called in.

The bomb squad took the mortar round, saying it was a 60mm training round that still had the potential to explode and cause injuries.

They have relocated their dispatch center and 911 calls will be answered by surrounding towns.

In an update, police took the chance to remind the public to please not bring any suspicious items to the police station, telling them to call the department and an officer will come to you.

Cox Media Group