CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH (WOIO) -
Thursday morning the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire in the 900 block of Magnolia Ave.
When they arrived they found two males on scene later identified as Todd M. James and Leo C. Statler II, attempting to put out a fire in an attached garage.
The 86-year-old female homeowner was also present sleeping in the residence. The Fire Dept. immediately recognized the fire as having started as the result of a methamphetamine lab explosion.
The fire was put out the fire department with no reported injuries and they immediately requested police assistance.
The Cuyahoga Falls Police Narcotics Unit with assistance from the Summit County Drug Unit responded to process the scene.
After a search of the scene it was determined that the residence was being used for the production of methamphetamine and that the fire was the result of an accident in the lab.
A hazardous waste disposal contractor was dispatched to the scene to clean up chemicals used in the production of methamphetamine.
As a result of the investigation, both Stalter, 27, and James, 54, were arrested and both charged with Aggravated Arson, Illegal Manufacturing of Drugs, Illegal Assembly of Chemicals, Possession of Criminal Tools and Drug Paraphernalia.
Both are being held in the County jail.
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Leo C. Statler, II
Todd M. James
