Pubdate: Tue, 18 Jan 2000
Source: Spokesman-Review (WA)
Copyright: 2000 Cowles Publishing Company
Contact: editor@spokesman.com
Website: http://www.spokane.net/news.asp
Author: Tracy Ellig - Staff writer

COPS CONTAMINATED DURING BUSTS

Deputies, patrol cars decontaminated after exposure to meth, chemicals
during stops

A pair of methamphetamine arrests Sunday and Monday contaminated
several patrol cars, half a dozen deputies, five corrections officers
and a drug-sniffing dog and his handler, according to the Spokane
County sheriff's office.

Many of the ingredients used to make meth -- such as red phosphorous,
ether, denatured alcohol and several other caustic items -- are highly
dangerous, said Cpl. Dave Reagan, sheriff's spokesman.

Earlier this month, two jailers were sickened after being exposed to a
woman arrested in connection with a suspected meth lab.

"One of them had her lungs seared to the point where she had fluid
building up," Reagan said.

On Sunday, Todd A. Teller, 33, was pulled over for speeding on the
17800 block of East Sprague Avenue. A boxed meth lab was found in his
car, but not before three deputies, their cars and a drug-sniffing dog
had been potentially contaminated with either meth or chemicals in the
lab, Reagan said.

A fourth deputy, who gave a passenger in Teller's car a ride home, was
also potentially contaminated.

A meth lab can be as little as a cardboard box full of chemicals, said
Reagan.

Early Monday, two more cars, three deputies and the drug dog were
again contaminated during a search of a suspected stolen car driven by
Kenneth H. Bard, 27, Reagan said.

A boxed meth lab was in the car and Bard had two vials containing meth
residue. His passenger, Christa L. Evans, 28, had another vial of meth
in her bag, Reagan said.

All the affected patrol cars were decontaminated and back in service
by noon Monday. The affected deputies were decontaminated at the
Department of Emergency Services building. Their uniforms and
equipment were sealed until they could be cleaned.

One deputy, who went home prior to discovery of his contact with a
meth lab, was telephoned and advised to shower and bag and seal his
personal bedding.