Sheriff: Domestic disturbance call turns into meth lab bust

BENTON, Mo. - Five people were in custody Tuesday morning after officers discovered a working methamphetamine lab, the Sikeston Standard Democrat reported.

Tommy L. Brewer, 46, and Sheila K. Brewer, 39, of rural Sikeston, Harry Gordon, 20, of East Prairie, and Michael D. Fite, 39, of St. Louis are charged with attempting to manufacture a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine precursors. Bond is set at $100,000 each.

Jerry L. Pullam, 33, of Sikeston, was charged with hindering prosecution of a felony. His bond was set at $15,000.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said deputies responded to what they thought was a domestic disturbance east of Sikeston during the early morning hours Monday.

"When officers from Scott County, Miner Police and the Highway Patrol arrived on the scene, it was quickly determined that they were confronted with a working methamphetamine laboratory," Walter said in a news release.

According to the sheriff, the suspects attempted to destroy evidence inside the residence before officers were able to enter. Describing the scene as "a chaotic situation," Walter said Gordon who was handcuffed, attempted to escape but was immediately apprehended nearby by officers.

In addition to the methamphetamine lab, officers found a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.