(Spencer)– A Spencer convenience store was closed down a few hours Wednesday evening after law enforcement found meth-making materials inside a vehicle after a traffic stop.
It all started when Spencer police pulled over a vehicle near the north Y driven by 35-year-old Joel Storey of Spencer for erratic driving. He was arrested after officers discovered he was intoxicated.
Police say the situation became dangerous when they found a clandestine methamphetamine lab in the vehicle. The immediate area, including the Dyno’s convenience store, was evacuated and closed down for several hours. At that time, a passenger in the vehicle, 23-year-old Lisa VanAmpting of spencer, was arrested for possession of precursors with the intent to manufacture meth.
A hazmat team from Pocahontas and O’Brien counties was called to assist with the search and clean-up of the vehicle.
Both Storey and VanAmpting were taken to the Clay county jail; Storey is charged with possession of precursors with the intent to manufacture meth, a class “D” felony; along with operating while intoxicated. He is being held on 11,700-dollars bond.
VanAmpting was charged with possession of precursors with the intent to manufacture meth, a class “D” felony and possession of drug paraphernalia. She’s being held on a 10-thousand dollar bond.
Spencer police were assisted by the Pocahontas and O’Brien County Sheriff’s Offices, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Spencer Fire Department and the Spencer Hospital.
(Story from Danielle Hitchings of sister station KDWD Hot 100 in Spencer.)
