Syracuse Man Suffers Burns When Meth Lab ExplodesSYRACUSE - A Syracuse man suffered severe burns after a meth lab allegedly exploded late Thursday morning.
Around 10:51 a.m. Thursday, emergency officials were sent to 808 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, to investigate a report of a severely burned man.
When Syracuse police and EMS arrived, they found Charles R. Losee, 40, of 207 E. Bowser Road, with severe burns to his upper body, arms and face.
After talking with Losee, police learned a meth lab reportedly blew up on him at his Bowser Road residence.
Losee was taken to the burn unit at St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne, for treatment of second- and third-degree burns. His condition was not available this morning.
When police went to the residence, they discovered that a one-pot methamphetamine lab had exploded, catching part of the kitchen on fire. Part of the ceiling, the front of a refrigerator and a wall were burned inside the home.
Upon their arrival, officers found two women, Bethany A. Woodrum, 35, and Arnelda B. Losee, 72, both of 207 E. Bowser Road, Syracuse, trying to ventilate the home.
Woodrum was arrested and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail for manufacturing methamphetamine, a Class B felony, and obstruction of justice, a Class D felony; while Arnelda Losee was charged with obstruction of justice, a Class D Felony. Woodrum is being held on a $10,000 bond, and Arnelda Losee's bond is $2,000.
Inside the home, officers reportedly found several items associated with the manufacturing of methamphetamine and also paraphernalia used to smoke meth. Several one-pot meth labs were found in a freezer, which caught fire when the freezer was opened.
Investigation of the incident is ongoing by both the Syracuse Police Department and the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force.
The Syracuse Police Department was assisted by the Indiana State Police lab team and the Syracuse Fire Department.
