Suspicious bag blocks traffic near Deaconess Medical Center

A suspicious bag that caused police to shut down streets and Interstate 90 near Deaconess Medical Center Thursday evening turned out to be full of books.

The bag was tied to the walkway that stretches over Lincoln Street between the hospital and a medical building. It was dangling over the edge and appeared heavy, said police spokeswoman Officer Teresa Fuller.

The Explosive Disposal Unit robot went out on the walkway to x-ray the bag, which was later examined by a police officer with a flashlight.

Lincoln Street and Fourth Avenue were closed for a few hours. The freeway was only shut down for a few minutes while the robot manipulated the bag, Fuller said.

Even though it was a false alarm the response was necessary, Fuller said.

“It does take a lot of resources,” she said. “In cases like this, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”