Crime & Safety
Suspicious Substance Delivered to Middletown Home
The area around 64 Beagle Dr. was cordoned off Thursday night as emergency crews responded to a report of a suspicious powdery substance that was delivered in a box.
were called to 64 Beagle Dr. Thursday night after a resident reported he received a plain white package with a black powder inside. When the package was opened, the powder reportedly came out and got on the hands of a woman, who said she felt a burning sensation.
The woman later told the fire department her hand was free from injury did not need treatment.
Police said when they arrived around 7:22 p.m., the was already on scene and had contacted the East Providence Fire Department to respond with its HazMat team.
The fire department cordoned off the area and contacted all neighbors to remain in their houses while emergency crews were on scene. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management also arrived on scene.
The EPFD Hazmat arrived and concluded the powder was silica, a compound used to produce materials like glass and concrete. Fire Chief Ron Doire said the substance is safe and there is no risk to the public.
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"The fire fighters on scene did an excellent job," said Doire. He said they went to neighboring households to ensure there were not similar packages.
Police are still investigating where the package came from and aren't releasing other information at this time.
