Dogs Found During Large Meth Lab Bust In Tulsa, 2 Arrested

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Tips led Tulsa police and firefighters to one of the largest methamphetamine labs they've discovered this year. Officers were called to an apartment building in the 300 block of 11th Street just before 11 p.m. Friday with the report of a chemical smell, according to Tulsa Police Corporal August Terbrock.

Before police got to the complex, a second call came in reporting smoke coming from the window of an apartment.

Terbrock said the smoke was actually chemical vapor coming from a very large, active meth lab operating in a bedroom of a downstairs apartment. Police found close to 40 bottles used to cook meth, assorted chemicals and many empty boxes of decongestants containing pseudoephedrine.

A man ran from the scene and a woman in the apartment tried to run but was detained by firefighters outside the building. The man's family called him and convinced him to return to the scene and turn himself in. Both residents of the apartment are now in custody.

They are Matthew Lee Randolph, 27, and Teresa Louise Randolph, 45. Teresa Randolph was booked on complaints of manufacturing a controlled drug, two counts of expired tags, suspended or revoked driver's license and no liability insurance. Her husband was booked on complaints of manufacturing a controlled drug, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony and improper license plate display/expired tag.

Police and firefighters also found three beagles in the apartment. Officer had to fashion leashes out of crime scene tape because they weren't prepared to handle animals.

A family member showed up to take custody of the dogs and they were taken to a safe location.

Narcotics officers were also on scene to dismantle and test the meth lab equipment.