2001-12-20

Wednesday, January 2, 2002

01-648 - Lake Meredith NRA (TX) - Methamphetamine Lab

On the afternoon of December 20th, ranger Tyler Stevenson came upon a car which appeared to be stuck in the river bottom at the Rosita off-road area. Stevenson found that the driver did not have a license. While talking with him, Stevenson noted a pile of peeled lithium batteries, a tank with a hose attached, and the smell of anhydrous ammonia and starter fluid in the air.

He realized that the driver and his two companions were manufacturing methamphetamine, so separated them, moved them away from the vehicle, and called for backup. The nearest ranger was an hour away, and the closest sheriff's department officer was a half hour from him. While awaiting their arrival, one of the men and a woman ran to the vehicle and started to drive off. Stevenson tried to stop them by reaching in and turning off the cars ignition. The male driver grabbed his arm and accelerated away, knocking Stevenson to the ground. The third person remained at the scene and was arrested without incident.

The regional drug task force was summoned and the lab was processed for evidence. The hazardous by-products were removed by a DEA contractor. Further investigation led to the identification of the two people who had fled. The person who was arrested was charged with possession of the chemical elements needed to manufacture methamphetamine and will be charged with manufacturing same; warrants are being sought for the man and woman for assault, resisting arrest, and manufacturing of methamphetamine. [Dennis Weiland, CR, LAMR, 12/21]