News Releases

MOBILE POLICE INVESTIGATE METH LAB EXPLOSION

Sep 1st, 2009

File Number: 09-09-0016

On September 1, 2009 at approximately 5:20 A.M., Mobile Police and Fire/ Rescue personnel responded to a report of an apartment fire that occurred at the Pine Trace Apartment complex located at 858 Schaub Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that a subject identified as Thomas Edwards (27 YOA) was inside of apartment A-5 cooking methamphetamine substances. The explosion occurred as Edwards was cooking the substances in the kitchen of the apartment. Edwards sustained numerous burns to his body and was transported to the University of South Alabama Medical Center where he is in the Intensive Care Unit, currently listed in critical condition.

Mobile Police Narcotics/Vice investigators responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. Preliminary investigation reveals that Edwards was inside of the apartment manufacturing methamphetamine substances. Investigators also discovered chemicals and articles inside of the apartment that are consistent with elements commonly found in a working clandestine laboratory used to manufacture illegal narcotic substances.

Edwards did use these hazardous substances to manufacture methamphetamine and during the process, the apartment exploded. At this time, investigation remains continuous, and further information will be released as it becomes available.

Corporal Charles D. Bagsby Jr.

Public Information Office

Office: 208-1715

Fax: 208-1758