HAZMAT team called after suspicious package found in Santa Maria

On April 17, a county HAZMAT team was called to the scene of a building at 1318 S. Broadway in Santa Maria after a suspicious package was reported to police, according to FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller.

Shortly before noon, an employee working with the county Department of Social Services opened an envelope containing a small amount of an unknown substance wrapped in foil, Eimiller said.

The discovery prompted an evacuation of the building and a nearby gym. No injuries were reported.

Several police agencies responded to the scene, including the Santa Barbara County Hazardous Materials Unit and a Santa Maria agent with the FBI’s Hazardous Evidence Response Team, Eimiller said.

Field testing of the substance turned up negative for any dangerous materials, and it will be sent to a lab for further analysis, which is standard procedure, Eimiller said, adding that she couldn’t comment on what the substance actually was.

“We’re not going to include details about a package unless it’s a public safety issue,” Eimiller said. “We routinely respond to suspected hazardous materials and suspicious packages.”

Eimiller said there was no immediate evidence to show that the envelope was placed near the building with the intention to scare people. The FBI is still investigating the matter. 

Other agencies that responded to the incident included the Santa Maria police and fire departments, and the Santa Barbara Public Health Department.

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