: Pubdate: Tue, 18 Jan 2000 Source: Spokesman-Review (WA) Copyright: 2000 Cowles Publishing Company Contact: 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Allan Wilkinson