EPHRATA, Wash. -- The Grant County Courthouse was partially evacuated around 1:00 p.m. Thursday. Two canisters were found at the doors of the county clerk's office.
Employees returning from lunch found the two canisters sitting on the handles of the doors. Each canister had a battery on top.
The Law and Justice Building was evacuated and emergency responders were called.
It was determined by responders the canisters were not explosive, but rather two air freshener replacement cartridges left by a maintenance vendor.
Air fresheners are replaced monthly at the courthouse by an outside vendor. Today, investigators say the vendor had come during lunchtime and, finding the doors locked, left them on the door handles.
Employees, jurors and other courthouse occupants were allowed to return to the building after about 45 minutes.
