By Carl Keith Greene / Staff Writer
London police officers arrested a 21-year-old couple Monday after finding a methamphetamine-in-a-bottle lab in a back pack.
The incident began when a report came from the Economy Inn on London’s North Main Street about possible domestic violence between the couple at the motel.
When patrolmen arrived at the motel, they were told Kenneth D. Lewis III had just left on foot.
Word was, said Lt. Stewart Walker, that he was wearing a backpack that may have contained drugs.
The patrolmen reportedly spotted Lewis walking into the Shop ‘til U Drop store alongside the motel wearing the pack.
Officer Randy Medlock entered the shop to speak with Lewis and was told he had stowed and abandoned the pack beneath a clothing rack.
Witnesses inside the store reported that Lewis had acted strangely.
Police officers took the pack outside where they opened it and found an active bottled meth lab along with other meth-making paraphernalia.
Lewis and Hannah Nelson were both arrested.
Nelson had reportedly tried to mislead police who were trying to locate Lewis. She was charged with second-degree hindering prosecution or apprehension.
Lewis was charged with first-degree making meth, first-degree possessing a controlled substance and a dozen counts of first-degree wanton endangerment.
They were arraigned on Tuesday.
Public Safety Director Zach Bryson was called to dispose of the lab.
Other officers at the scene were sergeants Kenny Jones and Matthew Moore and patrolman Jeremy Shell.
Medlock continues the investigation.
