Suspicious package discovered at WA State Penitentiary
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, April 28th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Washington State Penitentiary evacuated its mailroom Wednesday after staff reported the presence of a white powdery substance when opening incoming mail. A book with white powder fell out of the package, according to the Walla Walla Fire Department incident log report.
One staff member was exposed to the substance, triggering an emergency response at 11:29 a.m.
“The exposed staff member was isolated, and the building was immediately evacuated,” Washington State Penitentiary spokeswoman Rochelle Stephens said.
The Washington State Penitentiary’s Intelligence and Investigations Unit, along with the Walla Walla Fire Department, responded to the scene. It was determined that the unknown substance tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine.
The mailroom staff member who was exposed to the substance was taken to a local medical facility for evaluation and will be monitored. The mailroom returned to normal operations the same day.
The investigation is ongoing.
