PORTLAND (AP) – A 16-year-old boy from Old Orchard Beach has been charged with criminal use of explosives in connection with last week’s discovery of a suspicious device at Portland’s Mercy Hospital.

The youth, whose name was not released because of his age, was arrested Friday at his home. The device was found in a hospital bathroom the previous morning, prompting officials to search the hospital and restrict access.

Police declined to release details about the boy or the device.

Under state law, a person is guilty of criminal use of explosives if he places, makes or transports explosives or possesses them with that intent.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com

AP-ES-02-04-08 1334EST