Bardstown man arrested after active mobile meth lab is found in his truck

STAFF REPORT

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, 10:30 a.m. — A Bardstown man was arrested Tuesday night after he fled Bardstown Police who were investigating a report of a suspicious black crew-cab pickup truck in the area of Pine Village Drive.

James Lawrence Clan, 35, was arrested on a variety of traffic and drug-related charges after he fled from police with an active one-step meth lab in his vehicle.

At about 9:51 Tuesday night, Bardstown Police Major Ray Lewis was en route to an address on Pine Village Drive for a report of a suspicious black truck and possible drug activity. While en route, Lewis observed a truck matching the description. He turned to follow the truck and prompting its driver to flee at a high rate of speed, driving recklessly and running at least two stop signs before heading east on East Stephen Foster. The vehicle pursuit ended when the truck struck a Bardstown Police cruiser at the intersection of East Stephen Foster and Loretto Road operated by Officer Dave Culler with Officer Shannon Hall as a passenger. The officers were not injured.

Clan fought with police as he was removed from the truck, according to a press release. Police located an active one-step meth lab in the driver’s door pocket. Due to the hazardous materials involved, Detective McKenzie Mattingly, an officer assigned to the Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force, responded  to the scene to safely collect the hazardous materials.

Police also found Clan in possession of packages of pseudoephedrine, two oxycodone pills, and two diazepam pills at the time of his arrest. A cigarette pack in his possession contained approximately one gram of white powder that field tested positive for methamphetamine. A passenger in Clan’s truck was detained but released after Clan claimed responsibility and stated the passenger was not aware of the meth lab.

Shortly after the incident, police found a red duffel bag on East Stephen Foster Avenue that contained materials commonly used in making methamphetamine.

Clan was arrested and with charged wanton endangerment, first-degree (police officer); resisting arrest; criminal mischief, third-degree; fleeing or evading police, second-degree (on foot); disregarding stop sign; reckless driving; operating on a suspended or revoked license; possession of a forgery device; unlawful possession of a meth precursor; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession controlled substances, first-degree (methamphetamine); possession controlled substances, first-degree (opiates); manufacturing methamphetamine; possession controlled substances, third-degree; parole violation (for felony offense). He was lodged in the Nelson County Jail.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Bardstown Police Department, (502) 348-6811 or Nelson County Dispatch, (502) 348-3211.

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