Rush Township Police discovered a mobile meth lab in an unattended vehicle across the street from a number businesses and the Rush Elementary School playground/softball field this evening (Tuesday, March 24, 2015).
Officers Corporal Adam Sinton and patrolman Lucas Fox were on patrol around 5:45 PM when they observed smoke coming from a parked vehicle (Honda CR-V) in an empty lot (once known as HCSK Tire) along SR309 in Hometown. The lot is located across SR309 from St. Luke’s Hometown Rural Clinic and a recently completed girls softball field and playground, both owned by the Rush Elementary School.
Upon further investigation of the scene, and a response from the Hometown Fire Company, officials observed a suspicious substance and containers inside the vehicle. It was determined to be a meth (methamphetamine) lab.
Pennsylvania State Police Clandestine Lab Response Team was called to remove the items.
Maple Street, which intersects SR309, was closed and the area was taped off with police tape during the investigation and removal.
Hometown Fire Police volunteers worked with Rush Township Police to keep traffic and pedestrians away from the area. Officials were still on scene as of 10:15 PM tonight.
Rush Township Police Sergeant Duane Frederick said, after further investigation, Justin Pakosky, 27, of Tamaqua, was taken into custody and charged with manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and two counts of liquefied ammonia gas; precursors and chemicals.
WNEP story: http://wnep.com/2015/03/25/mobile-meth-lab-discovered-across-from-playground.
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