Troopers Arrest Man from Last Summer Meth Lab Investigation
Vigo County—This morning at 11:30 and armed with a Vigo County warrant, Indiana State Police Troopers from the Putnamville District Meth Suppression and Drug Task Force Teams arrested a Vigo County man on numerous charges related to the June 18, 2015 meth lab fire at 5593 North Clinton Street. The man was arrested at a south 5th Street address in Terre Haute, IN. without incident and incarcerated in the Vigo County Jail on $60,000 bond with no 10%.
Arrested: David J. Stewart, age 37, of Terre Haute, IN.
Charges: One count of Manufacturing Methamphetamine; four counts of Neglect of a Dependent; One count of Maintaining a Common Nuisance; One count of Possession of Precursors; One count of Possession of Methamphetamine; and One count of Dumping a Controlled Substance Waste.
The initial ISP investigation on June 18, 2015 revealed David J. Stewart was in the detached garage of his home at 5593 North Clinton Street, 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.
A post fire investigation on June 18, 2015 by ISP Meth Suppression Troopers revealed numerous items commonly associated with methamphetamine production and a “one pot” meth lab inside the detached garage.
The arrest was conducted by ISP Meth Suppression Troopers B.J. Patterson, Adam Edwards, and Shilo Raulston and Putnamville Drug Task Force Troopers Tim Rader and Jeremy Lewis.
Assisting on June 15, 2015 was the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office.
Attached picture is from the June 18th, 2015 meth lab fire at the Stewart residence.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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