Jan. 24--WEBSTER GROVES -- Authorities say the fluid used in an act of vandalism inside Webster University's admissions office last weekend was most likely primrose oil, an over-the-counter product often used to treat skin problems.
Pattonville Asst. Chief Matt LaVanchy, commander of the St. Louis County hazardous materials team, said firefighters used a special computer that analyzes chemicals in unknown substances. The computer, called a HazMatID, indicated the substance was a 90 percent match for primrose oil.
The oil was smeared on computer keyboards, phones and picture frames at several work stations inside the first-floor office, LaVanchy said. No one was hurt.
"It was kind of bizarre," he said.
The hazardous materials team was called to the university about 9 a.m. Monday after workers discovered the substance in the office.
According to the university, the building was vandalized sometime over the weekend. Firefighters from at least a half-dozen departments responded to the school.
Webster Groves Capt. Mike Nelson said police were still investigating the incident and looking for leads. He would not say whether anyone broke into the building over the weekend or whether police were reviewing surveillance.
He said the oil was the only apparent act of vandalism inside the building.
Susan Kerth, a university spokeswoman, would not comment Tuesday.
Joel Currier covers breaking news for STLtoday.com and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
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