A 31-year-old man has been arrested after authorities discovered a suspected methamphetamine lab inside the largest academic building on the Michigan State University campus, prompting the rescheduling of final exams. The suspect was charged Wednesday with malicious destruction of property and possession of substances used to operate a meth lab.
Incident Details
Wells Hall, the affected building, has remained closed since Monday following the discovery. Campus Police Chief Mike Yankowski declined to confirm definitively that an active drug lab was found, but noted that flooring, doors, and carpet would require cleaning or replacement due to the substances involved. Citing federal privacy law, Chief Yankowski also refused to disclose whether the man is a student at the university.
The suspect was ordered to jail on a $500,000 cash bond. Police initially responded to a trespassing call on Sunday night, finding the man inside the building with multiple bags containing liquids identified as hydrochloric acid, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and butane.
Chemical Concerns
“Most of these items are household items,” Yankowski stated. “Those products alone might not be dangerous, but if you start mixing chemicals together there is a reaction.” The incident occurred as Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, is conducting final exams this week, followed by graduation ceremonies.
