Mobile meth lab causes crash

HUNTINGTON, Ind. (WANE) - One person was injured after a traffic accident in Huntington. It happened Monday afternoon and police believe it was the result of a mobile meth lab.

According to Indiana State Police Detective Matt Collins, on Monday, around 4:2o pm, Huntington Police dispatch received a call of a single vehicle crash in the area of Etna Avenue and Jefferson Street.

Investigation into the crash revealed that a green 2000 Chrysler driven by Shawn M. Burnworth, 32, of Huntington was westbound on Etna Avenue, east of Jefferson Street, when, according to witnesses, the passenger compartment caught fire.

Burnworth jumped out of the car, leaving it unattended as it continued westbound on Etna. The vehicle ran off the road and struck a light pole.

Burnworth was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne to receive treatment for injuries as a result of the fire. His current condition is not known as he is no longer in the hospital.

Further investigation by the Huntington Fire Department and later Collins revealed that items commonly associated with the production of methamphetamine were discovered inside of the vehicle. The Indiana State Police Clandestine Laboratory Team was called in to render the scene safe and to collect and preserve evidence.

This incident remains under investigation by both the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigation Division and the Huntington County Prosecutor’s Office.