Dayton Police Department has completed its investigation into mercury found in a local parking lot.
On Monday, Jan. 27, police were notified of mercury near a school bus stop and the possibility that area children might have been exposed while waiting for their bus. Working in conjunction with Haz Mat Special Services LLC and the Liberty County Fire Marshal’s Office, approximately 5 ml or one teaspoon of the liquid metal was collected.
This morning, police discovered the source of the mercury. A local teen admitted to finding the substance in an abandoned structure on a residential property in the 700 block of Coleman St. An undetermined amount of mercury contained in an old jar was recovered from the property, which is undergoing remediation. No adverse health issues have been reported at this time.
Interviews with involved parties have confirmed that there are no other locations that have been contaminated with the mercury and specifically that no mercury was brought aboard any school bus or on to school property.
“We believe that the exposure to any students or other citizens has been limited to individuals already interviewed and examined,” said Police Chief Robert Vine. “In addition, it was suggested that these individuals consult with their family medical provider as a precautionary measure. No criminal charges are pending at this time for any involved individuals, nor are any expected based on the facts as we have gathered them.”
The City of Dayton Police Department wishes to extend their thanks to the Liberty County Fire Marshal’s Office, Haz Mat Special Services LLC, and the Dayton Independent School District for their continued assistance in this matter.
