Suspicious package draws bomb squad, may have been April Fools' joke

RATHDRUM - A suspicious package with threatening writing that drew the Spokane Bomb Squad to a Rathdrum apartment Tuesday night was likely an April Fools' joke, police say.

The package was left in front of an apartment on Mill Street next to Twin Lakes Realty.

"It had writing on it indicating that there was poison inside and that, if someone opened it, it would kill you," Rathdrum police Chief Kevin Fuhr said.

Fuhr said the bomb squad determined it was empty via X-ray.

"It was a shoe box that was taped shut," Fuhr said.

A limited number of residents were evacuated during the investigation as a precaution.

The package was reported about 6:30 p.m. The bomb squad cleared the scene about 8:30 p.m.