Residents returned to Slater Hall Sunday evening after a precautionary evacuation prompted by discovery of unknown chemicals in a third-floor room.

The incident began at about 7:45 p.m. Aug. 24, when University of Iowa Police responded to a report of a disoriented resident in the Slater lobby. The resident was transported to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for treatment at about 8:20 p.m.

Slater staff informed police that they’d observed chemicals and other suspicious items in the resident’s room. Johnson County Drug Task Force officers and agents from the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement obtained a search warrant for the room.

UI Police and UI Housing and Dining staff decided to evacuate the building at about 9 p.m. while the chemicals were assessed and removed.

“We found no threat of explosion or toxic gas, our two main concerns,” says Chuck Green, UI chief of police. “Student safety is our top priority, and we’re grateful for Slater residents’ cooperation.”

Residents began returning to Slater at about 11:20 p.m. Police and hall staff kept the third floor clear until the initial investigation was completed.

The one affected student continues to recover at UI Hospitals and Clinics. The Office of the Dean of students is investigating to determine whether any UI policies have been violated.