Lab test results pending, no arrest, in powder substance at Boardman business

BOARDMAN

The FBI and local law-enforcement officials are awaiting results of a lab test to determine what substance was in an envelope sent to a Boardman business Wednesday before they proceed with the case.

“I don’t know that we have any suspects at all,” police Chief Jack Nichols said. “We’re in the process of determining whether it’s going to be the FBI’s case or ours.”

Nichols said he does not believe an arrest is imminent, however.

Determining which agency will handle the investigation will be based on the lab results, which will not be back for a few days, according to FBI spokeswoman Vicki Anderson.

Township police and fire officials, agents from the FBI’s Cleveland office, a hazardous materials crew and emergency medical service workers were sent to American Business Center, 7677 South Ave., about 1:15 p.m. Wednesday after an employee opened an envelope and discovered a white powder substance on paperwork from a former employee.

According to a police report, the employee told police he was opening the business mail when the powder fell out of a letter. When he continued opening the letter, the powder got onto his clothes.

One other employee was exposed to the substance.

Read more about the investigation in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.