Hazmat determines nature of white powdery substance sent to local nursing home

UPDATE: A white, powdery substance found leaking out of an envelope that was sent to a local nursing home was found to be a mixture of crushed minerals and antidepressants, said Deputy Robyn Flores with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Crews responded to a call about a suspicious package around 1 p.m. Saturday, Flores said. The envelope, that was addressed to ManorCare Health Services in Palm Desert, had a white substance coming out of it. The employee that received the envelope called 911.

The substance was tested by a hazmat unit and was determined not to be hazardous or of a chemical nature. A second reading showed the powder consisted of a mineral and low levels of antidepressants. Deputy Flores said a watch commander at the scene deemed there was no threat to the public.

Employees told KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 they had been prohibited from exiting the building and were locked inside. A woman whose 85-year-old father lives at the facility said she was barred from entering by authorities.

As of 4:15 p.m., a lockdown at the facility had been lifted, said Flores.

Tune in tonight to KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 for the very latest.