Fourth Summerville area meth lab busted in 30 days
SUMMERVILLE, SC (WCSC) - A domestic assault call over the weekend helped Summerville police uncover the fourth meth lab in the last 30 days in Dorchester County. One person was arrested and another is on the run after police found what they say was once an operational meth lab.
The investigation began when officers were notified that a woman was allegedly assaulted by 37-year-old James Milton Ramsey Jr. early Saturday morning. Police were also alerted that there may have been a meth lab at the incident location.
The woman, 41-year-old Mary Jean Tomey Jarade, told police that she was living with the suspect at 102 Jennings Drive in the Meadow Run subdivision, She said that they got into an argument around 2 a.m. because he was being too loud while her grandson was trying to sleep.
Jarade told investigators that after confronting Ramsey about the noise, he cursed at her and started blaring the radio. She then grabbed the speaker wires out of the speaker and tried to walk away, but he grabbed her and pulled her onto the bed, she said.
After a struggle, Jarade managed to get loose, but she said Ramsey then grabbed her left wrist and started to twist it. After pleading for him to let go and telling him he was going to break her wrist, he allegedly let go and pushed her away.
The next day, Jarade went to a health center for treatment. She suffered muscle and cartilage damage in her wrist and a bruised nose.
After speaking with Jarade about the alleged assault, police officers went to the residence to investigate the possible meth lab. Jarade told police that the meth lab was no longer there, but Ramsey has been cooking meth in the master bedroom and had a lab set up in the room. According to the police report, she offered to show investigators the lab.
As one officer entered the bedroom, he described a distinct smell that caused a burning sensation in the back of his throat, a police report states. Jarade then showed police a glass dish and several propane bottles under the bathroom sink. She told authorities that she took the chemicals, bottles and plastic tubing from the lab and put them inside a camper in the back yard so that when her grandson was over he would not be exposed.
After narcotics officers investigated the scene, Jarade was taken into custody and placed under arrest. Police are still searching for Ramsey and plan to charge him in the case.
Recent meth lab busts in Summerville
- June 14: Calomet Valley neighborhood meth lab
- June 24: 133 Coronet Street meth lab
- July 6: 130 Town Square Road meth lab
- July 10: 102 Jennings Drive meth lab
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