Laguna Niguel Federal Building Evacuated because of Suspicious Package

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA- A suspicious package found at the Chet Holifield Federal Building in Laguna Niguel today prompted an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, but it was found to be "routine correspondence," authorities said.

The item was found about 5:50 p.m. at the building in the 24000 block of Avila Road, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

A hazmat team and bomb squad were called to the facility, according a news photographer at the scene.

"No threat or hazardous material was found following an investigation and field testing of the package, which has been assessed as routine correspondence," said the FBI's Laura Eimiller. The investigation comes just over week after a 45-year-old man allegedly used his car to hit and seriously injure a federal employee outside the building.

Geoffrey Rickner of Laguna Niguel was arrested shortly after 4:30 p.m. March 3. His car also hit the south parking maintenance garage, ending up lodged into the building, according to the FBI.

It was unclear what motivated the attack.

City News Service