Posted on 02/18/2004 2:31:51 PM PST by dep
Officials handle radioactive scare
It was suspected of having radioactive material. Then it was a suspected methamphetamine laboratory.
Now Columbia police aren't sure what was occurring in the house at 707 W. Sexton Road.
"Well, we don't know," police Capt. Moon McCrary said this morning. "There were items that were found ... that could be used in a meth lab. But as far as any meth lab and methamphetamines, we didn't find any."
Police and firefighters responded at about 9:50 a.m. yesterday after two construction workers sent to the house reported seeing brochures and papers with radioactive warning labels on them. Sexton Road was closed, and authorities evacuated buildings within 300 feet.
The Columbia Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Response Unit arrived and dispatched a robot to investigate the residence. When no radioactivity was detected, bomb squad investigators entered the home.
"We always want to move to the side of safety for all involved," said Columbia fire Capt. Steve Sapp.
The investigators found stickers with radioactive warning labels. They also found several items commonly used in manufacturing meth, including charcoal lighter fluid, a tank of propane, batteries and assorted electrical equipment. The house also had solid hobby rocket fuel and a military training manual on incendiary devices.
McCrary said that investigators in the home smelled odors consistent with meth production but that the odors could have come from meth components.
Meth production's strong, ether-like odors typically prevent labs from operating in neighborhoods, forcing them into unpopulated areas. But McCrary said: "These days, they're getting more and more popular. People will try anything."
McCrary said the house itself was in disarray with items scattered all over. He said the house is a rental property, but it's not clear when it was last leased. It's possible that squatters have lived there recently, McCrary added,.
Boone County property records list Niedermeyer LC as the property owner. The company did not return telephone calls seeking comment.
There are no laws against possessing any of the items found in the home, and McCrary said police no longer are investigating the possible meth lab.
Sexton Road was reopened and residents were allowed to return to their homes and businesses about 2 p.m. yesterday.
once the momentum of government begins, there ain't no stopping it from becoming a train wreck. Nothing worse than a bored SWAT team, a local bomb squad with no joy, or unscratched battering rams. That circus is expensive and it's gotta be justified. Usually once a quarter just like clockwork.
"Send in the robot boys, lighter fluid can only mean one thing - drugs and hippies."
"High fives all around........And somebody call a cleanup team for that dead old guy and those kids who pissed themselves when we shouted obscenities at them with guns drawn, wearing our new ninja suits."
It's my conclusion that it's not the police chiefs asking for it. It's that there is money in applying for it and power over the people who you somehow convinced that a town of 800 residents needs a battering ram but has no local magistrate to sign warrants.
I've got all of this, ham radio equipment so I can keep in contact with my "militia" buddies /sar...and even lots of guns and ammo in my safe. That makes me an obvious threat as well...and don't forget my propane bottles for my table top grill and coleman stove. Me and my little boys even have radio controlled airplanes [UAV's!!!!] that we could create havoc with...Oh MY!!!!! Come and get me...I surrender jack boots!!! /rant over
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