Meth lab found near Jackson school
A methamphetamine lab discovered near Jackson Hole Middle School closed down access to the immediate area Friday.
Police were alerted to the lab Friday morning, after school staff noticed a person on property directly across from the campus acting as though under the influence of a controlled substance.
When officers made contact with Joseph Schultz, 40, of Lanse, Mich., he suddenly bolted, fleeing from police. A foot chase ensued, and Schultz was taken into custody in a nearby subdivision without incident, police said.
Police found Schultz had what they believe be methamphetamine. They searched the area north of the school where Schultz was first observed, known as High School Butte, and found a small camp area. In the camp was an active meth lab, where police said Schultz was “crudely” manufacturing meth.
Schultz was booked into the Teton County Jail on charges of interference with police, and possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine.
Due to the hazardous nature of meth labs, hazardous materials crews were on the scene to remove the lab. As of Friday evening, South Park Loop Road was closed from Blair Drive to Gregory Lane to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic until the lab can be cleaned up. Also, all hiking on the High School Butte Trail is temporarily suspended. The public will be notified through the Nixle Alert System once the roadway and trail are safe for use. Police expected the closures would be in effect until 8 p.m.
Capt. Bob Gilliam said he does not believe there is any immediate threat to the neighborhood.
