The Spokane County Courthouse was evacuated for more than an hour Thursday morning amid fears that a poison-laced envelope had sickened county workers.
Two court employees and a sheriff’s deputy felt scratchy throats, headaches and chest pains at about 10:30 a.m. after one employee opened a letter in a room on the third floor, Spokane Fire Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer said. Initial reports suggested the envelope released a “puff” of noxious fumes.
After testing the air in the building, however, officials said there was no sign of a hazardous substance. The workers reportedly felt fine after walking outside but were taken to a hospital as a precaution. Several others were evaluated, and the courthouse was reopened.