According to written statement from Leeds police Chief Ted Cook, 38-year-old Michael Allen and 32-year-old Shane Barber, both of Pell City, were arrested Monday after authorities discovered methamphetamine, meth-making materials, firearms and materials that may have come from stolen vehicles, all in Allen’s garage on Anderson Street in Leeds.
Barber faces charges including unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Allen had an outstanding warrant for illegal pseudoephedrine purchases and faces additional charges for the unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance.
“St. Clair County deputies continue to investigate the recovered stolen vehicle and other recent vehicle thefts that may be associated with Allen and Barber,” Cook said in the statement. “Other charges are also possible as the investigation continues.”
Cook said his department coordinated with deputies to investigate the garage on Monday.
“During an interview by officers, Allen consented to a search of the garage for contraband,” Cook said. “Officers discovered what they believe to be methamphetamine in Barber’s possession and he was arrested.”
A more thorough investigation followed, during which officers found what they believed to be a “shake-and-bake” meth lab, along with a partially disassembled Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck, which had recently been reported stolen from Interstate 20 in St. Clair County.
“Officers believe the garage may have been operating as a Ôchop shop,’ disassembling cars and selling off the component parts,” Cook said. “During the search, officers found a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol that was reported stolen in Mississippi.”
Charges are still pending, according to Cook, and the investigation into the matter is still ongoing.
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