Jeremy Cross
Scotty HigginsA Hamilton County deputy received and chemical burn and he and another were exposed to methamphetamine ingredients during a search Thursday.
In a news release, sheriff's office spokeswoman Janice Atkinson said officers from patrol, criminal investigation and narcotics were searching a home at 7464 Gates Road for stolen property when they found meth labs in the garage and the woods behind the house.
Investigators also learned that two suspects from the home were at an address nearby, Atkinson said.
Officers found Jeremy Cross, 26, and Scotty Higgins, 31, in a house at 7434 Gates Road.
While officers were searching for a weapon, a meth lab under insulation spilled, Atkinson said. Two deputies were treated at a hospital, including one who was burned on an arm and a leg.
Cross and Higgins were charged with manufacturing meth. Higgins also was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of felony reckless endangerment, vandalism and felony possession of methamphetamine.
Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Hamilton County Emergency Services were called to the scene and the state Methamphetamine Task Force responded for cleanup and scene safety, Atkinson said.