The powder was discovered inside an envelope at 8:45 a.m. and led police to evacuate the building on Clarksville Road.
WEST WINDSOR -- Powder found inside an envelope at West Windsor's municipal building Thursday morning was not hazardous, but an apparent hoax meant to cause alarm, police said.
The envelope, discovered at 8:45 a.m., led police and first responders to evacuate the building on Clarksville Road.
File photo Firefighters and EMT's from the West Windsor Emergency Services unit are trained in hazardous materials testing and were able to determine on the spot that the power was not harmful, police Lt. Matt Kemp said.
As a precaution, a bomb dog from the Render Safe Task Force was deployed in the building to make sure it as safe for employees to return, Kemp said.
The building was reopened at about 11 a.m.
Kemp said the envelope was not mailed and believed to have been dropped off. Inside was a message.
"It was though out and obviously an attempt to raise alarm," Kemp said.
The department is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident and ask anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sgt. Steve Skwierawski or Lt. Kemp at 609-799-1222.
Callers can also leave information on the department's confidential tipline at 609-799-0452.
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.