NAPPANEE – Two individuals are in jail after a meth lab caused a fire in the 400 block of Indiana Avenue in Nappanee Wednesday night. Officers arrested Charles Thompson, 52, and Dana Hall, 55, both of Nappanee, on charges of manufacturing meth. Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit served a search warrant to investigate a possible meth lab. When the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team entered the home, a fire broke out. “I was trying to get home from church and the entire street was blocked off by police,” said witness Justin Carle, Nappanee. “There was a SWAT truck and a man getting arrested. Then I smelled fireworks and the police cars were quickly replaced by firetrucks.” Investigators believe the two were actively making meth when police arrived. The fire started when one suspect tried to flee. No one was hurt in the fire. Damage was contained to the upstairs room. Nappanee Fire and Police Departments, EMS responded and Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team investigated.
