LAKE HAVASU CITY
www.lhcaz.gov
Charlie Cassens
Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs
Office – (928) 854-4212 Cell – (928) 486-8879 Fax – (928) 680-4892
August 20, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Suspected
Hazardous Material Sickens Employees, Temporarily Closes Bank
The Lake Havasu City Fire
Department’s Hazardous Materials Team accompanied by police officers, responded
to the Compass Bank located at 1992 McCulloch Boulevard just before noon (11:53
a.m.) Monday August 20. A bank employee
called the police non-emergency line to report that an employee was nauseated
by odor coming from currency that had been deposited earlier. Upon arrival, police and fire crews were
informed that other employees were also experiencing symptoms of illness and all
four bank employees present at the time were transported to HRMC for
examination. While HazMat personnel were
preparing to enter the bank to secure the money and collect any evidence of
contamination, police investigators were able to identify the person who
brought the cash through the bank teller who assisted the man.
The man was contacted and cooperated
with investigators, stating the cash had previously been stored at his home in a
box that also contained a bottle of liquid air freshener that developed a leak.
The man was released following
questioning and no criminal charges are anticipated at this time; however, the
investigation is continuing. The status
of the hospitalized bank employees is unknown as of 2:45 p.m. It is also unknown whether the bank will
reopen for business Tuesday.
Contact: Fire Marshal
Chip Shilosky 928-855-1141
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