A Webster Parish man was arrested Sunday in connection with the December 2009 explosion in Sarepta of what Webster Sheriff’s investigators have determined to be a methamphetamine lab.

 

Christopher Michael Coats, 18, of Sarepta was taken into custody by deputies on a warrant for the charge of manufacturing methamphetamine. 

 

This arrest followed a lengthy investigation into the early morning explosion of the Thomasville Road home. During interviews the men told deputies the incident occurred while they were cooking fish; however, Sheriff’s detectives were suspicious of more from the beginning.

 

“It seemed initially apparent that they were not cooking fish at four in the morning,” said Sheriff’s narcotics investigator Lt. Shawn Baker. “Our investigation led to more, too. Even with a fire we found evidence suggesting meth manufacturing.”

 

Baker explained that further interviews with the two men involved, who were both initially rushed to LSU Medical Center’s Burn Unit for treatment of extensive burns, resulted in a confession of such activity.

 

Arrest warrants were issued for the two men not long after the incident; however arrests were not made initially. Baker explains, “Both of the guys had injuries—one worse than the other. We needed to wait for them to get proper medical care and treatment for their burns.”

 

As of Monday morning, deputies are still looking for the second man involved—Joseph Lane Umphries, 34, also of Sarepta. He, too, is charged with manufacturing methamphetamine at his residence.

 

“We’re looking for him; and he knows it,” added Baker.

 

Coats was transported for booking at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center, where he is held on a $100,000.00 bond.

 

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UPDATE:

 

Joseph Lane Umphries was arrested early Tuesday when he turned himself in to authorities following the public release of his "Wanted" status.  He was booked into the Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on the charge of manufacturing methamphetamine, and is held on a $100,000.00 bond.