By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
Daniel Lee Gerschütz, 72, of Carey, has been charged with inducing panic after leaving suspicious package in the lobby of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation lab on the Bowling Green State University campus.
According to BGSU police, Gerschütz walked into the lobby of the lab at about 3 p.m. Monday and left the package that appeared to have a white powder on it.
BCI officials called the BGS police to detain the suspect, and the building was evacuated “as a precaution,” according to a statement released by BGSU. “There is no risk to the broader community.” North College Street in front of the building was closed, and people were advised to avoid the area.
Deputy Chief John Betori of the BGSU Police Division said the suspect had interacted with BCI officials a couple weeks ago when “he made some disturbing statements.” Based on that and his actions Monday police decided “we would treat that package as dangerous.”
Gerschütz was detained without incident, Betori said.
Bowling Green City Fire Division was called to the scene and sought assistance from Perrysburg Township and Toledo Fire departments. Among them, Betori said, they have the needed equipment to test whatever substance is on the bag.
The incident dragged on into the night as officials waited for necessary personnel. “We’re at a standstill until we can get some trained people to go into the building and collect some of the powder and test it here on site,” he said shortly after 7:30 p.m.
The university announced that the incident”has been resolved.” A statement issued at about 9 p.m. Monday stated: “Hazmat team has confirmed that the powdery substance left by the man in custody poses no threat. “
Betori said for his safety the suspect was decontaminated in a decontamination tent set up in the parking to the north of the building.
Gerschütz is being held at the Wood County Justice Center pending arraignment in municipal court today.
