RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) - A day after seven people were taken to a hospital when a mysterious white powder was found at a California sheriff’s office, authorities identified the substance as cooking flour.
Officials said the powder was discovered Monday in a letter sent to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Sgt. Chris Willison said seven department employees were given a so-called quick decontamination - sprayed down with a hose. They were then taken to the hospital as a precaution. None complained of medical problems and all were released a short time later.
The building was evacuated as hazardous materials crews worked to identify the substance. It was later identified as unbleached white flour.
The Press-Enterprise newspaper said Tuesday (https://bit.ly/2vpbtS8 ) that the letter was delivered to an area that handles court services.
A criminal investigation is ongoing.
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