Arrest Made in Powdered Sugar Haz-Mat Case at Busy Bank Branch

COVENTRY, CT — Local police have made an arrest in the case of a mysterious white powder left at a busy bank branch used by those in several towns passing through town that created an intensive haz-mat response.

Police on Monday charged Robert Lein, 60, of Coventry, with first-degree breach of peace.

Police said the arrest stems from an incident that occurred on May 13, at Key Bank, 3534
Main St.

An envelope containing a white powder substance had been placed in the night deposit box, police said. The incident prompted a large-scale hazardous material response that included local, state and federal law enforcement resources in addition to local and regional fire and EMS services, police said.

Although there were no injuries, employees required precautionary decontamination.

The substance was tested and found to be non-hazardous and actually was powdered sugar, police said.

Lein surrendered at the Coventry Police Department after learning of the warrant, police said.

He was released on a written promise to appear in court and is due in Rockville Superior Court on Sept. 26.

Breach of the peace in the first degree is a class D felony.

Photo Credit: Patch File