Norwich – City police and a U.S. Postal Service spokeswoman confirmed today that there is a criminal investigation under way involving the security issue that led the postal service to shut down the Yantic Post Office Monday.

Police Capt. Patrick Daley confirmed there is a criminal investigation, but said he could not comment further on the nature of the issue or incident. He said further details would have to come from the Postal Service.

Postal Service spokeswoman Christine Dugas also confirmed there is a criminal investigation but also said she could not discuss the nature of the issue or incident.

The postal service indefinitely suspended operations of the Yantic Post Office at 5 p.m. Monday citing safety and security reasons stemming from issues discovered late last week. Mail for the 230 patrons who have post office boxes there was transferred to the Bozrah Post Office 1.2 miles away.

Dugas said there is no timeframe for completing the investigation or for the formal study - triggered by the closure - into whether the Yantic Post Office should reopen or remain.

c.bessette@theday.com