Suspicious powder found in mailbox

A Grottoes woman called for help Friday when she found a suspicious powder in her mailbox.

Authorities responded to the 70 block of Harriston Road, where they found a “fine powder with slight yellow tint,” according to Capt. Glenn Hanger of the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office.

A test determined the substance to be calcium phosphate, a non-hazardous ingredient in baking powder and plant fertilizer.

No similar reports have been received, Hanger said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 245-5333 or Central Shenandoah Crime Stoppers at 1-800-322-2017. Callers with information leading to an arrest could receive cash awards up to $1,000. The information can be given anonymously.