- Thursday June 18th, 2015 :: 02:13 p.m. EDT
ISP Meth Suppression Troopers Investigating Possible Meth Lab Explosion
Vigo County—This afternoon at 12:37 and at the request of the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Troopers from the Putnamville Post responded to 5593 North Clinton Street to investigate a possible clandestine methamphetamine lab explosion. The explosion occurred inside a detached garage on the north side of the residence.
Preliminary investigation revealed 36-year-old David J. Stewart of the address was in the detached garage, when a sudden explosion occurred. His two kids, ages unknown, were inside the home and one child ran next door for help. The kids were not injured. The garage engulfed in flames and was extinguished by members of the Otter Creek Fire/Rescue Department. Stewart was taken by Trans Care EMS to Union Hospital of Terre Haute and later airlifted to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis for treatment of extensive chemical and thermal burns.
Further investigation by ISP Meth Suppression Troopers revealed numerous items commonly associated with methamphetamine production and a “one pot” meth lab inside the detached garage.
The investigation is ongoing by ISP Meth Suppression Troopers Shilo Raulston, B.J. Patterson, and Adam Edwards. Assisting were Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Vigo County Drug Task Force, Otter Creek Fire/Rescue, and Trans Care EMS.
Questions about the fire suppression should be directed to the Otter Creek Fire Department.
Questions about the ISP involvement should be directed to Sergeant Joe Watts.
The two attached pictures are from the scene.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
-30-
WATTS
Address/Location
Indiana State Police-Putnamville District 53-Putnamville, IN
1927 U.S. 40
Greencastle, IN 46135
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 765-653-4114
Joe Watts
Public Information Office
[email protected]
765-653-4114