LA HABRA : One Arrested After Suspected Drug Lab Explodes, Burns

A shed that police said was used as a drug lab blew up in an explosion heard a mile away, injuring one man and overturning a nearby trailer, police said Friday.

The structure, which neighbors in the 600 block of East Lambert Road believed was a welding repair workshop behind several small businesses, exploded just after 10 p.m. Thursday, said La Habra Police Sgt. Phil Stufflebean.

When police and firefighters arrived at the scene, they found chemicals burning inside the remains of the structure.

A man identified as Hugh Stillman, 65, who had been burned slightly, was attempting to put out the fire, Stufflebean said. Two cars and a trailer parked nearby were damaged, but no other structures were burned.

Firefighters from La Habra and Brea extinguished the blaze in 30 minutes, authorities said.

At the scene, police seized finished methamphetamine powder and compounds with an estimated street value of $300,000. Hazardous materials and state narcotics investigators were called in to help in the cleanup.

An investigation led to the arrest of Stillman, who was apparently living at the site. He was booked on suspicion of illegal operation of a drug lab and possession of illegal chemicals, police said.

Stillman was treated for his burns at the scene and taken to the La Habra City Jail on $200,000 bail. Arraignment is scheduled for Municipal Court in Fullerton on Jan. 3.

Investigators believe a second suspect may have been injured in the blast, Stufflebean said.

“We have alerted local hospitals to be on the lookout for anyone with burn injuries,” he said.

Stufflebean said police do not know how long the lab had been in operation.