Man burned when meth lab explodes

BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. - Police say a suspected methamphetamine lab has exploded in a motel room severely burning one man.

Police Chief John Joyner says the burned man, Carlton Parmer, was hospitalized with burns to about one third of his body. He said two other suspects, Brandy Parmer and Derek Robinson, ran from the explosion and are being sought.

The explosion happened 4:00 p.m. Monday at the Bayou La Batre Inn and Suites. It caused substantial damage.

Corporal Jason Edwards said, "The wall of room 110 had been blown out, and the window of the structure along with the door."

Workers spent Tuesday morning cleaning and hauling off debris. Police said when they initially arrived at the blast, the fire was out but a strong smell of ether was in the air. Police said three suspects rented the room Sunday, and they believe it was used as a meth lab.

"As we investigated more, we found precursors such as lithium batteries, Sudafed, coffee filters, different things of that sort," Edwards added.

Police said the concoction the three suspects are accused of making was extremely dangerous.

"After the explosion all three ran out of the room. The individual that was burned was picked up about a mile and a half from the hotel. He was going through the woods," Edwards said.

Carlton was taken to USA Medical Center to be treated. He burned about 33% of his body. Police are still looking for the other two suspects who got away.

Edwards said, "We believe they're from the Semmes, Chunchula area, but we're not sure. They could be anywhere in Mobile County."

Bayou La Batre Inn is the only major hotel around for miles, and police said they've never been called here for an issue like this.

"It's usually quiet. We have a good reputation here. We've had other meth labs, what we consider rolling meth labs and different things, but this is Bayou La Batre's first explosion caused by a meth lab."

Folks in the area are hoping it's the last.

When Carlton is released from the hospital he'll face a number of charges, including manufacturing a controlled substance and criminal mischief.