PORTSMOUTH - Police are waiting to arrest a man pending a psychological evaluation after an early morning scare in which simulated explosive devices prompted the evacuation of multiple buildings.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., police responded to a report of two suspicious devices at a rooming house at 21 Brewster St. Police found a device plugged into the wall in a common hallway that was smoking and giving off heat. The device was appeared to be intended to simulate an explosive device, injure a person who came into contact with it or start a fire, according to Capt. Corey MacDonald.

“As it’s receiving electricity and getting hotter and hotter it very easily could have caught the building on fire,” said Patrol Sgt. Kuffer Kaltenborn.

Nicholas Durling, 30, a resident of the building, was identified by police as the person they thought made the device.

“He refused to come out of his apartment and made statements that lead police to have concern for the safety of all residents in the building,” said Capt. MacDonald.

Police also evacuated two other buildings along Islington Street, with the road serving as a staging ground for emergency vehicles. At 2:30 a.m. the Seacoast Emergency Response Team and the N.H. State Police Bomb Squad responded to the rooming house.

Durling surrendered himself to police at approximately 5:30 a.m., being placed into medical custody and transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital for physical and mental evaluation, said Sgt. Kaltenborn.

“It looks like they are looking to admit him for psychiatric care,” he said, explaining that it could be days until Durling’s evaluation is finalized and police can move forward with an arrest. “We can’t interfere with the medical treatment process.”

Durling is set to be charged with placement of a simulated explosive and reckless conduct which are both felony charges.

Portsmouth police detectives and New Hampshire State Police bomb squad members began a search of Durling’s apartment after additional suspect devices were found in the apartment following his surrender. No actual explosive devices were located. The devices that were initially located were not explosives.

All the evacuated buildings were opened up to residents again about 9:30 a.m. Durling has no previous history with the Portsmouth police. Police are not looking at any other suspects in relation to the incident, said Sgt. Kaltenborn.

“We have no indicators that would indicate anyone else was working with him,” he said.

Anyone with information regarding Durling or this case is asked to call Officer Brian Houde at (603) 610-7601, or Det. Aaron Goodwin at (603) 610-7627. People wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 431-1199 or 207-439-1199.