Whitney Woodworth, and David Davis

Statesman Journal

Salem police cordoned off streets, brought in the bomb squad, and alerted people to "shelter in place" Friday morning after receiving reports of two suspicious packages, which were later determined not to be a threat.

Salem police Lt. Shawn Adams said the department dispatched its hazardous devices team around 8:30 a.m. after a suspicious package was reported at the 400 block of State Street.

"The initial investigation by officers was unable to identify an owner nor a viable reason for the item being left at the location," Lt. Dave Okada said in a statement.

A second suspicious package was reported about an hour later at the 100 block of High Street NE.

Police restricted pedestrian and vehicle traffic on State Street between Liberty and High streets and closed High Street south of Court Street to all traffic.

An alert via the Salem Community Alert System was sent out to individuals working or living in downtown Salem to shelter in place. You can sign up to the system on the city's website.

The first package was determined to be an empty file folder box. The second item was later cleared. Shortly after 10:30 a.m., the scene was cleared and police reopened the blocked streets.

Friday is the third anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombings, and police used due caution when dealing with suspicious devices, Adams said.

Although the items were determined not to be a threat, both incidents remain under investigation. Officials asked anyone with information to contact Salem Police Department at 503-588-6123.

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