Suspicious letter prompts multi-agency response in Barnegat

A letter with the words "Trick or Treat" containing white powder and caution tape delivered to a Barnegat home prompted a multi-agency response from police, firefighters, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Arson Unit, the Sheriff's Office CSI, the County Health Department, and a Berkeley Hazmat team Monday afternoon.

Al Della Fave, Prosecutor's Officer spokesman, told the Asbury Park Press the East Bay Avenue homeowner called 911 shortly after 2 p.m. after seeing the contents of the letter.

Testing determined the white powder was only baking soda, according to Della Fave.

The homeowner hadn't checked her mail since Saturday, leading investigators to conclude it arrived sometime between Saturday and Monday.

Authorities have a person of interest in mind, according to Della Fave. Authorities are trying to determine whether the letter was sent as a terroristic threat, a form of intimidation or just as a Halloween prank.