(UPDATES with FBI statement, general edits — 6:15 p.m.)
By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow
The Athens Police Department confirmed the presence of FBI agents in hazmat suits in the 200 block of Guadalupe Street in Bel Air Saturday afternoon.
APD released the following statement: “On Thursday, September 22, 2016, the Athens Police Department received information about a matter that fell within the operational scope of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The following day, the information was provided to the FBI field office in Tyler which initiated an investigation. The Athens Police Department is assisting with the investigation in an ancillary role.”
FBI officials said there is no threat to public safety.
Thomas M. Class, Sr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Dallas Field Office, said, “The Dallas FBI received a report of potentially hazardous materials at a residence in the 200 block of Guadalupe Street in Athens, Texas. FBI personnel are lawfully present at the residence conducting law enforcement activity in support of the ongoing investigation. At this time, the FBI has deemed there is no threat to public safety, but is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of law enforcement personnel involved.”
No other information has been released at this time in this continuing investigation.