Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose reports that police are investigating a suspicious package found in the trash can located in front of a bodega located at 146 Sherman Avenue.
Officials said, at approximately 11:46 a.m., police responded to citizen reports of a suspicious object in a trash can located outside of a bodega.
For precautionary reasons, businesses and houses in the immediate area were evacuated as bomb techs and other members of the Emergency Service Unit responded to the location.
Technicians continued to examine the device in an attempt to determine whether the item posed a threat in the ongoing investigation
UPDATE 3:47 p.m. Object declared inert and posed no threat.
Director Ambrose is urging anyone observing any criminal or suspicious activity to immediately call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.