Two arrested in meth investigation
Police arrested two men they believe were trying to make methamphetamine out of the trunks of their cars in a Greeley parking lot in the middle of a snowstorm.
Lt. Steve Nelson, head of the Weld County Drug Task Force, said that about 2 a.m. Tuesday, the men were seen by a passerby in the parking lot of the ARC Thrift Store, 2401 27th St. The temperature was 13 degrees outside, and the men were "doing something" behind their cars in the snowstorm.
When police arrived, the two men began running. Both were caught; police brought them back to their cars, where there was evidence they were making meth. They found propane tanks full of anhydrous ammonia, Nelson said. The ammonia is used in the drug-making process. They also found other items used in making the drug, including Lithium batteries.
Arrested were Chris Kaepernick, 40, a transient; and William Jansen, 47, of Fort Collins. Both men were arrested for investigation of possession of materials used in the manufacture of methamphetamines. Kaepernick also was arrested in an investigation of possession of an illegal substance when suspected meth-amphetamines were found in his pocket.
In addition, the men were caught within 1,000 feet of Brentwood Middle School, which, if convicted, could mean a more serious sentence because they were in possession of the drugs near a school.
A Denver drug hazardous materials team was called in to take possession of the chemicals found in the cars, and the scene was cleaned in about four hours.
"Thanks to a concerned citizen who was driving past at that time, we were able the capture these guys while they were there," Nelson said. "We're not sure why they were making meth in the middle of a public parking lot in a snowstorm."
Both men were booked into the Weld County Jail.