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Muncie – A Muncie man wanted on felony warrants was arrested yesterday afternoon after a member of the Pendleton District Meth Suppression Squad drove by the rear of a residence and saw the man standing in an open garage.  Along with the wanted man troopers also could see the ingredients used to make Methamphetamine, in plain view.

Dale Andrew Mitchell, age 55, was arrested in a garage behind the home located at 1932 Memorial Drive, after Meth Suppression Trooper Kyle West drove by attempting to locate the man wanted on felony warrants for Possession of Cocaine and Habitual Traffic Violator. Mitchell had also been the subject of an ongoing investigation into the manufacture of Methamphetamine.

West observed Mitchell standing in the open garage, with fresh burns over his upper body where a “One Pot Reaction Vessel” had recently exploded, burning Mitchell around his neck and shoulder.  In addition troopers found the chemicals used in the manufacture of Methamphetamine in plain view in the open garage.

After being transported by EMS to IU Health’s Ball Memorial Hospital, to receive treatment for his burns, Mitchell was lodged in the Delaware County Jail for the felony warrants, as well as Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony; Possession of the Precursors with Intent to Manufacture, Possession of Methamphetamine and Maintaining a Common Nuisance, all three Level 6 Felony charges.

This case demonstrates the dangers of manufacturing Methamphetamine. Not only will the fumes contaminate the areas where it is made and cause damage to internal organs, the ingredients are volatile and can explode causing burns and fires.

Anyone with information about illegal drug use is encouraged to call the Pendleton Post at 1-800-527-4752, or the Indiana State Police Drug Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756. Tips can be made and kept anonymous.

The Indiana Meth Investigation System or IMIS, can also take tips on meth labs. Just go to www.meth.in.gov  and click on the “Report Suspected Meth Activity” Link. While on the site make sure to check out information about meth addiction, statistics, meth lab clean up and meth lab addresses from around the state.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law