This article was updated Friday at 5:45 p.m.
An hours-long search of Island Grove Park for a possible gun used in a shooting in Lowell turned up nothing, Abington Police said.
Police closed the park to the public Friday morning in order to conduct the search using law enforcement personnel from Rockland, Holbrook, and Weymouth, as well as K-9s and other resources from the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (METROLEC) Search Team and Massachusetts State Police.
Despite “numerous and repetitive searches” no weapon was found, according to an Abington Police statement.
“Island Grove and Park Avenue have reopened, and as a reminder to the public, anytime you see or find something that looks dangerous, or suspicious, do not touch it, and contact your local police immediately,” the statement said, which also thanked Abington Fire for their support.
Abington Police said it was notified by Milford Police early Friday morning that a suspect they had in custody for an alleged armed robbery and shooting in Lowell may have tossed away the gun in the area of Island Grove Park and Park Avenue on Wednesday evening. Police, including K-9 Officer Harlow, initially searched the area around 2:25 a.m. but the search was postponed due to darkness and poor weather.
Abington Police secured the area and closed the park for the day. Eager Beaver Day Camp was relocated to a nearby school. Island Grove Pool was closed for the day.
The suspect later told police the gun could have been tossed at other locations, including Weymouth and Upton.
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Island Grove Park is closed today while Abington Police conduct an evidence search on the historic grounds.
Eager Beaver Day Camp has been relocated for the day to a nearby school, according to Recreation Director Kelly Johnson. Island Grove Pool will also be closed for the day, she said.
In a social media post, Abington Police said there is no danger to the public but did not provide any additional information about what was found or what they’re looking for.
“Please be advised that law enforcement are conducting an evidence search in the area Island Grove,” the post said.
“Due to an active and ongoing investigation, Island Grove will be restricted to law enforcement and off limits at this time.”
Town Manager Scott Lambiase told Abington News the evidence is believed to be connected to an out-of-town incident.
Entrance points to Island Grove Park are currently blocked off with yellow police tape.
Island Grove Park is a 17-acre town-owned park connected to Island Grove Pond. It features a man-made, sandy-bottom pool, day camp facilities, and walking trails. The west side of the park is connected to Lake Street via the Memorial Bridge and Arch, which was dedicated to Civil War soldiers and sailors in 1912.
The park was a gathering spot for abolitionists during the mid-1800s. A stone tablet memorializes some of the speakers that addressed crowds at the park.
Island Grove Park was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 2002.