Pubdate: Wed, 23 Jun 1999
Source: Associated Press
Copyright: 1999 Associated Press

TRAILER WITH ILLEGAL METH OVERTURNS

PUYALLUP, Wash. (AP) A trailer containing an illegal methamphetamine lab
overturned, forcing the closure of a six-block stretch of road.

Authorities said it was unclear whether meth, an illegal stimulant made from
highly toxic and explosive chemicals, was being made at the time of the
accident late Tuesday in Puyallup, a few miles east of Tacoma.

The chemical spillage was under control and did not leak into nearby creeks,
said sheriff's Deputy Ed Troyer.

The 22-foot trailer came off its frame while being towed behind a pickup
truck. The pickup and frame, which bore several conflicting license plates,
were found abandoned a mile away.

The pickup's driver jumped out of the truck and into a car that had been
following the trailer.

"He took off as quick as he could," said Pete Denhof, who lives near the
scene. "He was extremely angry, it looked to me. All kinds of cussing going on.

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