BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — News 4 was at the scene of a potential hazmat situation near the Ellicott Square Building.
Crews were called to the scene around Noon on Wednesday because of suspicious items in a vehicle.
Police sources told News 4 someone called to report receiving a package they believed to be ricin, a poison.
“Package was delivered at different location and the person unknowingly brought it to this location,” said Acting Fire Commissioner Johnathan Eaton.
Emergency crews in full hazmat suits investigated at the corner of Washington and Swan, shutting down the intersection.
People stood by to watch as it all unfolded in the Ellicott Parking lot.
“We were able to remove the packages and the chemical was unknown,” said Eaton. “The chemical was deemed safe.”
They could not tell News 4 whether there was a note attached.
The U.S. Postal Service arrived to help figure out what was in the package because it was originally transported in the mail.
Fire officials on the scene described it as a “typical lab chemical”, that’s not hazardous.
The scene was clear later in the afternoon when the items were removed from the vehicle.
The vehicle was then driven away.
The package is with the Postal Service. The FBI is also investigating. There are no suspects at this point.
