CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREOF, ARE MERELY ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY.

Approved for Immediate Release – October 24, 2018

Suspicious package discovered outside of Pennsylvania State Representative Thomas Murt found to be harmless.

Hatboro Police Chief James E. Gardner announces the results of the investigation into a suspicious package discovered outside of State Representative Thomas Murt’s office at 19 South York Road, Hatboro. At approximately 8:54 P.M. Hatboro police were dispatched to a report of a suspicious package outside of the legislator’s office. Upon arrival officers discovered a large blue duffle bag deliberately placed against the front doors of the office. Based on the appearance and placement of the bag, and due to concerns of recent explosive devices being sent to national political leaders, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Disposal Unit was dispatched to the scene to further assess the situation. Persons residing in apartments in close proximity to the location were evacuated during the investigation.

Bomb technicians utilized specialized equipment and ultimately determined the bag contained nothing dangerous, only miscellaneous items and other bags. It is believed the items may have been left as a donation for persons in need.

Chief Gardner thanked the alert person who reported the suspicious bag stating, “in today’s world we always encourage folks to report anything suspicious to authorities. If you see something, say something. We are fortunate here in Montgomery County to have the resources and professionals to safely deal with situations such as this.”

In addition to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Hatboro Police were assisted by the Enterprise Fire Company, Second Alarmers Rescue Association, Hatboro Emergency Management and Upper Moreland Police. A portion of York Road was closed during the event and was reopened at 11:00 PM.