Investigators have identified a Eugene man as a person of interest in the case involving suspicious letters sent to law enforcement agencies across the state.
On Monday, multiple government offices – including the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office – received suspicious letters which drew concern they may be contaminated with hazardous materials.
Hazardous material teams responded to these locations as well as investigators from multiple law enforcement agencies. Preliminary testing from the hazardous material teams could not detect any harmful substances.
On Tuesday, investigators identified Lance T. Storm, 34, of Eugene, as a person of interest. He was located and interviewed regarding the investigation. Oregon State Police reported today that Storm was very forthcoming and eager to discuss the letters he mailed. Storm told investigators the communications were not intended to cause alarm and he denied the inclusion of harmful substances.
Storm did not appear to present any violent or dangerous behavior and was not perceived as a threat to the community. He was released and the reports containing detailed information obtained during the investigation involving will be forwarded to several district attorney offices for consideration of charges.
The following counties where letters are known to be received were Umatilla, Grant, Harney, Klamath, Lake, Grant, Jackson, Wasco, Marion, Polk, Lane, Sherman, Tillamook, Gilliam, Columbia, Linn, Jefferson, Wheeler, Union, Douglas, Baker, Yamhill, Wallowa and Coos.
The Oregon State Police was assisted by the FBI, US Postal Service, The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, and law enforcement agencies from counties where the letters were received.
