What was that mysterious powder seen around Hamilton yesterday?

Hamilton police are looking for the man pictured in this photo who is suspected of spreading a powdery substance around the west side of Hamilton which was tested by the West Chester Hazmat team and reported as flour.

Hamilton police are looking for the man pictured in this photo who is suspected of spreading a powdery substance around the west side of Hamilton which was tested by the West Chester Hazmat team and reported as flour.

Law enforcement has confirmed that a mysterious powdery substance found in several locations around the west side of Hamilton this week turned out to be harmless.

Several residents reported on Wednesday seeing a “powdery substance” and alerted the Hamilton police. According to Barb Wilson from the city of West Chester, its Hazmat team was called in to help investigate.

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Hamilton police released a statement on social media saying that the substance has been verified by the West Chester HazMat team as basic flour.

“We would still like to talk to anyone with direct involvement/information on this just to verify the purpose of the flour dropping,” the statement added.

Police say that witnesses noticed a male spreading the substance in various locations. Hamilton Fire Chief Mark Mercer said that rumors spread quickly about the substance, but there was nothing harmful found.

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“The rumors got way ahead of the truth on that, and we worked with West Chester FD to analyze the material with one of the analytical meters we use to detect unknowns,” Mercer explained.

Law enforcement agencies investigating the situation confirmed that the public should know that the substance poses no immediate danger.

Photos of the male with the substance were posted online by police.

Hamilton police are asking that if anyone recognizes the male or knows his whereabouts to contact Detective Henson at 513-868-5811, ext. 1237, or contact the dispatch center at 513-785-1300.