Explosion leads to meth lab bust

STAPLETON, Ala. (WALA) - Baldwin County deputies checking out a report of an explosion in Stapleton uncovered a meth lab early Friday morning.

The explosion reportedly happened at a home in the 14000 block of Melvin Johnson Road at about 5:30 a.m. When deputies arrived, they found a man outside the home.

Deputies asked if anyone else was inside, and the man said yes. Deputies found the 16-year-old girl in a bedroom, and evacuated her from the home.

While on the scene, deputies and fire personnel spotted items consistent with a clandestine lab. They obtained a search warrant, and found several "one pot" labs inside and outside the home.

Investigators also found precursor chemicals, methamphetamine, marijuana, a loaded pistol and drug paraphernalia was located. Investigators rendered the labs safe and collected the evidence.

Charles Johnston, 36, was arrested. He faces a number of drug charges including possession of a controlled substance, manufacturing a controlled substance and chemical endangerment of a child.

Deputies tell us Johnston has a drug history that includes a prior manufacturing arrest.