Anthrax suspect arrested

The white powdery substance labeled “Anthrax” that was found in a Newport Beach apartment Tuesday turned out to be flour, fire department officials said Wednesday.

Authorities tested the material outside of the Coronado at Newport Beach apartment complex unit where they found two jars filled with the powder and determined it was harmless.

Police said Phong Huu Nguyen, 29, is the man who vandalized, made threats and left the jars inside his former apartment.

About 2:45 p.m. Tuesday authorities received a call about possible vandalism inside the Coronado at Newport Beach apartment, 1700 E. 16th St.

Police said Nguyen had recently been evicted. A maintenance crew going in to clear it out discovered the jars and the rest of the damage, Lt. Craig Fox said.

Police said Nguyen had randomly put paint on the walls with expletives aimed at the Coronado apartment complex and the police department. The numbers “666” were also written on the walls, according to investigators.

There were also holes in the wall and damage to the carpet, Fox said.

Nguyen, originally from Los Angeles, was arrested at a Navy recruiting center there where he worked.

He is a petty officer second class and worked as an administrative assistant for the recruiting office, said Jason Zaun, a public affairs officer for the Navy.

Nguyen has been relieved of all duties pending an investigation, he said.

Nguyen was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats about 11:25 p.m. Tuesday at the recruiting building without incident, police said.

He is being held in Orange County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned today.