The Salem New Hampshire Police Department issued the following press release in regards to this incident, which is below:
“On Wednesday, 1/5/2022, at approximately 6:00 PM, Salem Police and Fire responded to the Mall at Rockingham Park for a report of a male subject utilizing a smoke bomb in a jewelry store on the lower level. Upon arrival, officers assisted in evacuating the mall and investigating the incident, which had caused heavy smoke inside the mall.
Investigation revealed a male subject had entered a jewelry store on the 1st floor of the mall and asked about jewelry. The store owner concerned about the suspicious nature and actions of the male subject while in the store, refused to remove any jewelry from cases.
At some point while near the registers, the male knelt down and set off a smoke bomb device. The owner of the store ran around the counter, grabbed the device and tossed it into the main mall area. The suspect stood by for several moments before running away.
The male is described as a Hispanic male, in his late 30’s, approximately 6 feet in height. The subject spoke both English and Spanish. While fleeing the mall, the suspect discarded a bag as well as other clothing items and was last seen fleeing on foot from the mall.
When Salem officers found the discarded bag, they requested the assistance of the Nashua Police Department’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit to identify the contents of the bag. The Nashua Police EOD Unit responded to the scene and was able to X-Ray the bag and identify additional devices and powder. Nashua Police secured the bag and the contents pursuant to their protocols.
There were no reported injuries during the incident, however, there was some damage to the mall and the jewelry store. The Salem Police Department is actively investigating this incident and request anyone with information to contact the Salem Police Department at 603-893-1911.”
