Meth lab fumes hospitalize Mount Vernon boy

CRAB ORCHARD, Ill. -- Authorities say a 10-year-old Mount Vernon boy had to be hospitalized because of exposure to fumes from methamphetamine-producing chemicals inside a car.

The boy, whose name was not released, was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Williamson County sheriff's deputies east of Crab Orchard on Saturday morning. He was taken to Marion Memorial Hospital for treatment and no further information was available about his condition.

Chemicals such as anhydrous ammonia and ether are used to manufacture methamphetamine.

The boy's mother, Cindy Hails, 40, of Mount Vernon was arrested for production of methamphetamine and was taken to the Williamson County Jail.

A second woman, Roberta K. Riddle, 34, also of Mount Vernon, was also arrested for production of methamphetamine and taken to Williamson County Jail.

Both women remained in jail without bond on numerous drug charges awaiting a court appearance.

Williamson County sheriff's deputies contacted the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services about the boy.