A meth lab discovered in Oshkosh is a subtle reminder that while the drug’s popularity is dwindling, it's still a part of the drug culture here in northeast Wisconsin.
Heroin and opioids aren't the only drug problem in northeast Wisconsin. The discovery of a temporary meth lab at a hotel in Oshkosh has authorities reminding the public they need your eyes and ears to combat the ebbs and flows of the drugs presence.
When police came to the 15-hundred block of West South Park Avenue on a tip, that someone was present with an outstanding warrant, they didn't expect to find a meth lab.
"It's kind of fictional almost. You hear about it on the news, you see it on TV, but it's not something you come in contact with," says UWO student Emmett Strohfeldt.
"In regards to where it can be cooked... It can be cooked anywhere, inside a vehicle, hotel room, house, garage just about anywhere," adds Officer Joe Nichols of the Oshkosh Police Department.
When the Oshkosh Police went into the 27-year-old man's room, they didn’t just find meth and some of the ingredients to cook it. They also found a 26-year-old mom from Oshkosh, and her 10-month-old child. Police describing the situation a bad fit for anyone, let alone a child.
"Yeah that obviously takes it to another level when you have kids involved," adds Strohfeldt.
"Fire hazard, explosion hazard, the fumes alone who knows what irrefutable damage it can do to a body," adds Officer Nichols.
The hotel was eventually evacuated and patrons were put up in different hotels for the time being. In the meantime a stringent cleaning process was done and police took their man into custody.
The 27-year-old suspect is being held at the Winnebago County jail tonight as he faces a slew of charges including reckless endangerment of the public’s safety, intent to deliver meth, possession of meth, and possession of meth waste.
The 10-month-old baby that was found in the room with the makeshift laboratory is in protective custody and is being looked after by the Department of Human Services.
