Authorities are investigating a suspicious package delivered to a Pevely residence Jan. 13 that contained a threatening letter and a powdery substance that turned out to be flour.
Police Chief Jamie Mayberry said his department received a call shortly before noon about the package mailed to a house in the 800 block of Riverview Drive.
“When the recipients opened the package, it had a threatening letter inside,” he said. “When they pulled the letter out and opened the envelope, a white powdery, unknown substance fell out of it.
“One person at the residence was exposed to the unknown substance. She was treated at the scene by personnel from the Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District. When officers arrived, they evacuated the building and secured the scene.”
He said his department requested and received assistance from Dunklin Fire, the Jefferson County Hazmat Team and the FBI.
“We requested the FBI because it was sent through the mail with a Phoenix, Ariz., postmark,” Mayberry said.
He said the Hazmat team “suited up.”
“They went into the residence and tested the substance and determined it was baking flour,” he said.
The package was addressed to the woman’s husband, Mayberry said. The couple and their daughter remained outside in their car until authorities deemed it safe to go back into the house about 4 p.m., he added.
He said the investigation is continuing.
“At this time, we are working with federal law enforcement agencies to track down the suspect,” he said. “We do have a person of interest.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pevely Police at 636-475-5301.