Police Chief Michael Sauschuck at Press Conference This Afternoon.
A Robot Used in Investigation Today at Planned Parenthood Office
Nicole Clegg, VP for Public Policy at Planned Parenthood of Northern New England Read a Statement.
By Carol McCracken (Post # 2,672)
Police Chief Michael Sauschuck told members of the press that a package delivered to 443 Congress Street today was not an explosive one and no threat to anyone. Whoever delivered this package is not in trouble with us Sauschuck said this afternoon at 3:30 across the street from the building which also contains offices on the upper floors, the Regional Chamber of Commerce, Guitar Grave and several other store fronts on the first floor.
A male wearing shorts and a baseball cap delivered a box covered in camaflogue to 443 Congress Street about 11:30 am according to the Chief. After a thorough investigation using robots as well, it was determined that the box was not a threat to anyone. In fact, it contained artistic materials. “We would just like to find out where this box was intended to go. This individual is not in trouble with the Police,” said the Chief. Shortly after the yellow tape was removed from around the area and traffic resumed – both vehicular and pedestrian.
Nicole Clegg, VP of Public Policy for Planned Parenthood appeared following the Chief’s press conference and said that following the discovery of the “suspicious” package outside the Center the policy were immediately alerted. Upon the advice of the Police, the health center was immediately evacuated. . Clegg, who was formerly the spokesperson for the City of Portland said she was grateful to law enforcement for their swift response. She also said that the health center would remain closed today and all canceled appointments will be rescheduled.
On several recent Friday mornings, the anti-abortionists have held particularly loud and well-attended protests in front of the Planned Parenthood Office. Friday morning is the time when abortions are conducted at the Clinic.
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England provides birth control, STD testing and treatment, lifesaving cancer screenings and other basic preventive care to more than 10,000 women, men and young people every year. For more than fifty years, PP has been a leading provider of reproductive health care and education in Northern New England.