3 Suspicious Letters In Synagogues In Baltimore County Reported

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Hazmat and EMS crews handled two calls for suspicious packages at synagogues in Baltimore County Monday afternoon, authorities said. Both were in the Pikesville area. Afterward, authorities said they learned of a third that may be related in Owings Mills. .

First, emergency personnel were dispatched to the Bel El campus in the 8100 block of Park Heights Avenue at 12:45 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 17. Two adults reported feeling nausea immediately after opening an envelope in the synagogue office.

At 2:49 p.m., authorities were called to the 4300 block of Crest Heights Road for a report of a suspicious letter at Beth Isaac Adath Israel synagogue. Police said it was unopened.

Hazmat crews used meters to check for any dangerous substances or chemicals at both Beth El Congregation and Beth Isaac Adath Israel. They did not find any, and nobody was injured, according to the Baltimore County Fire Department.

Crews cleared the scene at Beth Isaac Adath Israel at 3:29 p.m., officials said, and the Baltimore County Police Department's hazardous devices team recovered the envelope.

Authorities said a third call came from Har Sinai Congregation in the 2900 block of Walnut Avenue in Owings Mills after 4 p.m. The congregation received a letter a week ago and reported it to police Monday after learning about the two other cases.

Nothing hazardous was found in the envelope sent to Har Sinai, according to the Baltimore County Fire Department. However, officials said there were similarities.

"The letters appear to be similar in nature and do not convey any type of threat," the Baltimore County Fire Department reported.

The Baltimore County Police Department is conducting outreach to those in the impacted communities, officials said, as the investigation continues.

SEE ALSO: Hazmat Teams Called To Beth El Synagogue: Baltimore County Fire

Image via Baltimore County Fire Department.