Paso Robles probation visit turned into a hazmat incident. Here’s why

A probation compliance check turned into a hazmat investigation Tuesday when Paso Robles detectives found a suspicious liquid inside a residence.

Paso Robles Police Department Commander Todd Rehner told The Tribune that the search at a residence in the 1100 block of Putter Avenue was a routine check to ensure the suspect was in compliance with their probation order.

The detectives then found eight to 16 ounces of an unknown liquid, Rehner said, and out of an abundance of caution called in the hazmat team to investigate.

The liquid is suspected to be the psychedelic substance dimethyltryptamine, also known as DMT, Rehner said, adding that a test needs to be done to confirm if that’s the case.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of a probation violation, he said, and may have drug charges added if the test comes back positive for DMT or another illegal substance.