CLEARWATER – Pinellas County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating the delivery of a suspicious envelope, containing a dark powdery substance to the Criminal Courts Complex in Clearwater. Preliminary tests are negative, indicating substance is not hazardous.
According to a sheriff’s report, deputies responded in the early afternoon hours on Sept. 17, at the Criminal Justice Center, 14250 49th St. N. in Clearwater.
According to investigators, a clerk on the second floor of the Criminal Justice Center was sorting and opening mail when she opened a letter containing a dark powdery substance. Detectives say the letter was not directed to a specific individual, but contained threatening remarks to all court staff.
The clerk immediately reported the finding to a supervisor who notified deputies. In an abundance of caution, deputies evacuated the immediate area where the envelope was opened and shut off air vents to prevent spread of any materials.
Pinellas Park Fire Department responded to the scene, as well as the Hazardous Material Unit. The substance was tested. Preliminary results indicate substance is not hazardous. Further testing will be conducted.
The origin of the letter is still undetermined; and the incident remains under investigation.
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