Published: May 01, 2008 02:25 pm            

Tip leads lawmen to meth lab

One of three suspects arrested attempts to flee officers

3C LOOP — Working on an anonymous tip, law enforcement officers uncovered a meth lab near the Whitley County line on Thursday afternoon.

Officers arrived at the trailer off 3C Road to deliver outstanding misdemeanor warrants on Darren Renfro, 24. Renfro fled, leading officers on an hour-long foot chase in the woods behind the trailer before being captured by McCreary County Sheriff Gus Skinner.

Also arrested at the scene were Tiffany “T.J.” Rose, 19, and Angel Wilson.

Due to questions regarding who owned the property (Joyce Murphy or her son, Jim Murphy), authorities had to wait for a judge’s authorization to search the property, including the residence and a cross-tagged Ford F-150 ultimately determined to be owned by Rodney Perry.

The search yielded what appeared to be a crack pipe from the truck and a “box lab” with various meth components from the trailer. While the components would appear fairly innocuous individually, combined they produce not only a deadly drug but also powerful fumes which could sting the eyes and airways of anyone standing near the lab.

In addition to his prior warrants, Renfro was charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine as well as second-degree Fleeing and Evading Police.

Rose was also charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine while Wilson was taken into custody on an outstanding bench warrant.

All three were lodged at McCreary County Jail.

Kentucky State Police Detective Billy Correll is leading the investigation and was assisted by Sheriff Skinner as well as deputies David Sampson, Jerry Meadows, Chris King and Lowell Dolen. Agents with KSP’s Drug Enforcement Special Investigation (DESI-East) unit and the federal Drug Enforcement Agency were also involved.

Federal charges may be pending.

        

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