Umbrella, not gun, caused mall evacuation in MA - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

catlover79 · 04-20-2011, 08:47 PM

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/...9621303233132/

BURLINGTON, Mass., April 19 (UPI) -- A young man innocently walking with an umbrella mistaken for a rifle triggered the evacuation of a shopping mall in Burlington, Mass., Tuesday, police said.

WHDH-TV, Boston, reported the unidentified man called state police from the Lahey Clinic in the Burlington Mall shortly after the 10 a.m. incident began to report he was the person two people had reported seeing in the shopping center with what looked like a short-barreled rifle. He said it was really just the umbrella he had in his backpack.

"A Lahey Clinic employee carrying an umbrella in his backpack was unfortunately mistaken for a gunman at the Burlington Mall this morning," the clinic said in a statement. "Upon arrival at work the employee heard the description of the alleged person carrying a rifle on the news and immediately called the Burlington police. He told them he had been at the mall and fit the description. Police responded and confirmed he was the person and his umbrella was mistaken for a gun.

"The Lahey employee is pleased he took appropriate action and contacted the police. However, he feels terrible about the situation. He asks that people in the media please respect his privacy at this time."

The Boston Herald reported state police troopers questioned the man and determined there was no threat. Police said witnesses and video surveillance confirmed he was the man in question.

© 2011 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

Family Ties Forever! · 04-20-2011, 09:18 PM

Wow.

catlover79 · 04-20-2011, 09:33 PM

I saw this on the news and almost choked on my drink. Still, I give credit to the mall security for getting everybody out because, at first, they truly thought there was a threat to public safety. If anything else, they can learn from this episode - it was kind of like a practice drill!!

Reverend Jim · 04-20-2011, 09:48 PM

Marvo301 · 04-20-2011, 10:18 PM

Gene Kelly would have never been in the mall. He would have been outside singin in the rain!!

catlover79 · 04-21-2011, 02:53 PM

I'd like to see what would happen if "Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella" came on the piped in stereo system.

Zoneboy · 04-21-2011, 03:17 PM

catlover79 · 04-21-2011, 08:15 PM

^

JamesG · 04-22-2011, 02:47 AM

I understand how things like this can lead people to believe there is a threat.

I play pool and I have a cue case that I carry my sticks around with. I've been stopped by the police a couple of times on the subway asking me what's in the case. When I enter a store carrying it the cashier is watching me suspiciously.

04-20-2011, 08:47 PM	#1
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Umbrella, not gun, caused mall evacuation in MA http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/...9621303233132/ BURLINGTON, Mass., April 19 (UPI) -- A young man innocently walking with an umbrella mistaken for a rifle triggered the evacuation of a shopping mall in Burlington, Mass., Tuesday, police said. WHDH-TV, Boston, reported the unidentified man called state police from the Lahey Clinic in the Burlington Mall shortly after the 10 a.m. incident began to report he was the person two people had reported seeing in the shopping center with what looked like a short-barreled rifle. He said it was really just the umbrella he had in his backpack. "A Lahey Clinic employee carrying an umbrella in his backpack was unfortunately mistaken for a gunman at the Burlington Mall this morning," the clinic said in a statement. "Upon arrival at work the employee heard the description of the alleged person carrying a rifle on the news and immediately called the Burlington police. He told them he had been at the mall and fit the description. Police responded and confirmed he was the person and his umbrella was mistaken for a gun. "The Lahey employee is pleased he took appropriate action and contacted the police. However, he feels terrible about the situation. He asks that people in the media please respect his privacy at this time." The Boston Herald reported state police troopers questioned the man and determined there was no threat. Police said witnesses and video surveillance confirmed he was the man in question. © 2011 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent. Attached Images
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

04-20-2011, 09:18 PM	#2
Family Ties Forever! Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 16, 2002 Location: Keaton residence Posts: 10,214	Wow.
	__________________ Jenny

04-20-2011, 10:18 PM	#5
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Gene Kelly would have never been in the mall. He would have been outside singin in the rain!!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

04-21-2011, 03:17 PM	#7
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,469
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

04-22-2011, 02:47 AM	#9
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,223	I understand how things like this can lead people to believe there is a threat. I play pool and I have a cue case that I carry my sticks around with. I've been stopped by the police a couple of times on the subway asking me what's in the case. When I enter a store carrying it the cashier is watching me suspiciously. Attached Images

04-20-2011, 09:33 PM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	I saw this on the news and almost choked on my drink. Still, I give credit to the mall security for getting everybody out because, at first, they truly thought there was a threat to public safety. If anything else, they can learn from this episode - it was kind of like a practice drill!!

04-20-2011, 09:48 PM	#4
Reverend Jim Member Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 08, 2009 Location: New York City Posts: 783

04-21-2011, 02:53 PM	#6
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	I'd like to see what would happen if "Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella" came on the piped in stereo system.

04-21-2011, 08:15 PM	#8
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	^