PORT TOWNSEND — A “suspicious” substance discovered in a Jefferson County Courthouse rest room is boric acid, police said.
The powder found in a stall of a second-floor woman’s rest room at about 9:30 a.m. this morning (Friday) was analyzed by a State Patrol hazardous materials technician, said Officer Luke Bogues, Port Townsend Police Department spokesman at about 1 p.m. today.
“It’s an inert substance,” Bogues said.
Boric acid often is used as an antiseptic or insecticide.
Two employees at the courthouse at 1820 Jefferson St., in Port Townsend, found the white powder, said Gordon Pomeroy, chief of East Jefferson Fire-Rescue.
Authorities considered the powder suspicious and called the State Patrol hazardous materials team to investigate.
The courthouse was not evacuated.
Earlier story
PORT TOWNSEND — A State Patrol hazardous materials team arrived at about 10:30 a.m. at the Jefferson County Courthouse, where a “suspicious white powder” was found in a second-floor woman’s rest room today.
Two courthouse employees found the white powder in a stall at 9:30 a.m., said Gordon Pomeroy, chief of East Jefferson Fire-Rescue.
Pomperoy said he didn’t the substance was highly toxic but that it is not known what it is. It is being analyzed now.
The restroom has been sealed off. The courthouse, which is at 1820 Jefferson St., in Port Townsend, has not been evacuated.
More information will be provided when it becomes available.
