BANGOR, Maine — A computer mouse turned out to be the cause of a three-hour shutdown of the Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building late Friday afternoon, said Bangor police Lt. Steve Hunt.

The building was evacuated and locked down, as per standard police procedure, while officers inspected the building.





“Security was checking some packages that were being delivered through their X-ray machine and saw a package that looked suspicious,” said Hunt.

The Explosive Ordnance Device team was called in for a better look. The FBI also responded, but Bangor police were in charge.

“With the equipment that was available [to building security], it was of a suspicious nature and precautions were taken,” said Hunt. “[When we] got some better equipment [on the scene], we confirmed that it was a common delivery.”

The package was a computer tracking mouse that was ordered by U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe’s office, said Hunt.

“We felt it was the right call based on the equipment [the building security] had,” said Hunt. “These days you can’t be too careful, I guess.”

Greg Comcowich, special agent and spokesman for the Boston Division of the FBI, which also covers Maine, commended Bangor police.

“The bottom line is the Bangor police did a stellar job,” said Comcowich. “They did a great job helping us in making sure the building was safe.”

BDN writer Ryan McLaughlin contributed to this report.

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