White Powder In Colorado Springs Not Hazardous

Colorado Springs police evacuated the building at 31 N. Tejon St. Tuesday morning after someone in a probation office discovered a suspicious white powder.

The powder was contained in an envelope that had been pushed under the door. Police say the envelope also contained a “vague threat,” but did not elaborate on the nature of the threat.

“It was a hoax device that was sent with the intention of threatening or intimidating someone. That is a felony in Colorado,” said police Sgt. Steve Noblitt. He said the crime is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of $100,000.

Hazmat crews with the Colorado Springs Fire Department arrived at the scene around 7 a.m. and determined the powder was not hazardous. No one was injured, including a woman who found the letter and was exposed to the powder.

Police said the envelope was found in an office serving low-risk offenders who are on probation. The building was evacuated for several hours while the hazmat crew from the Colorado Springs Fire Department investigated. The office reopened before noon on Tuesday.

“People may think it’s a good idea to do this,” said Noblitt. “Certainly the message that I want to communicate is that if you do, we’re going to investigate it. If we find out who you are, we’re going to put you in jail.”

Noblitt said local authorities have a heightened awareness of such situations with the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks just a few weeks away.

“We’re a little more aware now,” said fire department spokeswoman Sunny Smaldino. “It’s a different time. It’s a daily thing for us to be ready, make sure our skills are up to date and that everyone’s clear on what they need to do in case of an emergency.”