News

Man dies in crash after mobile meth lab explodes

POLK COUNTY, Fla.,None — Police in central Florida say a man died when a mobile meth lab exploded inside his car.

At first, Lakeland police thought 36-year-old Clifford Ellison died Tuesday following a fatal crash. On Wednesday police announced
Ellison died as he and 26-year-old Jerek L. Evans mixed chemicals in a glass liquor bottle.

The Ledger of Lakeland reports witnesses told police there had been some kind of commotion inside the vehicle before it crashed. Officers also found out Evans had run away after the crash.

Evans told police he and Ellison were making "shake and bake" methamphetamine when the bottle exploded. Police say Ellison was
fatally struck in the neck by flying glass shards.

An investigation continues. Police say no charges have been filed yet against Evans.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)