Meth lab call leads to 2 arrests

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Norfolk police say two people were arrested after police, fire and HAZMAT crews responded to a possible meth lab at a home in the 1200 block of Strand Street Monday afternoon.

Both Jeremy Michael Balmer, 34, and Rachel Caroline Liberty, 41, are now facing charges. Balmer is charged with methamphetamine, mix: distribute, etc. and drugs: child present during manufacturing of methamphetamine. Liberty is charged with possession with intent to sell and distribute, according to police spokeswoman Karen Parker-Chesson.

Parker-Chesson said there were three children, ages three, 10 and 12, inside the home when officers arrived at the scene. They are now in the custody of their mother. Parker-Chesson did not know if Liberty is the mother of the children.

Police dispatchers received a call at 1:30 p.m. Monday that a meth lab was possibly in a shed in the back of the home. The situation kept many people inside their homes, as crews closed Strand Street from Chesapeake Avenue to Alexander Street during the investigation.

Crews found chemicals in a bedroom and in the shed out back According to Battalion Chief Harry Worley there wasn't enough there to cause a major HAZMAT situation.

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