Police: Motel Meth Lab Causes Evacuations
Officers Smell Fumes Coming From Building
POSTED: Friday, August 27, 2004
UPDATED: 5:25 pm EDT August 27,
2004
Police and fire crews evacuated a Taylor motel Friday morning.
About 30 residents were cleared out of the Melody Lane Motel on Telegraph, south of Wick Road, according to Local 4 reports.
Residents were reportedly evacuated because of toxic fumes coming from a methamphetamine lab operating out of one of the units.
"They came banging on our doors, saying, 'You need to get out. It's an emergency.' I thought there was a fire or something so I grabbed my kids," said Melanie Johnson, a resident of the motel.
Officers driving through the area reportedly smelled the fumes coming from the motel and went inside to find the source. Police say the meth lab was in a dangerous stage.
"It's pretty toxic, very flammable, possibly explosive. That's why we have the fire department out here taking care of the scene right now," said Lt. Dan Crowell, of the Taylor Police Department.
Residents in homes behind the motel and some employees at a neighboring business were also evacuated.
Several people, including three police officers, were taken to a local hospital to be treated as a precautionary measure, the station reported. No serious injuries were reported.
Police say the two people believed to be operating the meth lab were among those taken to the hospital. They were treated and released into police custody, according to the station's reports.
Hazmat crews were called in to dismantle the meth lab.
Residents were allowed to return to their rooms to gather their belongings, but the motel has been closed indefinitely, according to Local 4 reports.
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