MT. JULIET, Tenn. – A suspicious letter sent to a TV station in Mt. Juliet has tested negative for any hazardous substance. The letter prompted three nearby businesses to be evacuated, but workers have been allowed to return.
Officials with Mt. Juliet police said in a Tweet Monday afternoon, that hazmat crews were called to WNPX-TV in the Clearview Plaze Shopping Center at 1281 North Mt. Juliet Road.
According to officials, a woman at the station opened the letter, which had a suspicious message written on it. She told them her hands began to tingle and she noticed a chemical odor.
She was the only person inside the business at the time of the incident.
Police officials called the incident "bizarre" and said although the letter was suspicious, there was no direct threat.
At least three neighboring businesses were evacuated as officials remained on the scene. The woman and the first two officers on the scene were being evaluated as a precaution.
Crews with the Wilson County Emergency Management Agency’s Hazmat team responded to the scene to test the letter. Investigators from Lebanon City Public Safety Office also responded to assist the Mt. Juliet Police Department.
According to a release, WNPX-TV is a part of ION Television broadcast network, which airs Criminal Minds and similar type shows.
It was not clear if officials knew where the letter originated, or if the sender faced any charges.
