ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A UCF chemistry student is under arrest after the discovery of a meth lab he is suspected of operating forced about 50 residents living near the campus from their homes Wednesday night.
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Investigators say a maintenance worker at the Campus Crossings Alafaya apartments on Green Badger Lane near Alafaya Trail ( see map ) was doing a routine inspection of a small, four bedroom, dorm-style unit when he discovered the suspected meth lab. The maintenance worker then called managers who then called law enforcement.
Firefighters, hazmat crews and undercover deputies rushed to the scene, blocking off part of the complex.
"Our whole street was locked down. We were trying to park and the cop wouldn't let us park in our lane," complex resident Cody Sims said.
"It's our next door neighbor, he's mad cool dude, but I don't know man, it's crazy bro," said resident Keith Morton.
Three people who were inside the apartment were initially taken into custody. Later, deputies arrested 22-year-old William Cecil and charged the chemistry major with the manufacture and possession of methamphetamine, in addition to possession of cocaine, Vicodin, marijuana and listed chemicals.
"He was very cooperative with us and he provided a list of chemicals that were in there. He even said that there would be some meth products, as well as ecstacy and cocaine," said Lt. Paul Hopkins, Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Cecil's roommate, Matthew Saathoff, told WFTV he noticed the chemicals before, but never reported them. He said, while he was not convinced there were illegal activities going on, he is not surprised to find out about the bust.
"At first, when I moved in, I noticed a bunch of chemicals in my kitchen and I was suspicious. I looked them up and I saw that you can use them for using drugs," said Saathoff. "It's just a whole crazy experience for me. I'm kicked out of my apartment. I don't know where I'm going to go for the night."
Evacuees and those who live next to the building say, if someone was making meth, they need to suffer the consequences.
"If you want to be stupid and waste your lives on stuff like that, then let it be done. I guess they get what they deserve," Sims said.
While at the scene, a white male who was visiting the apartment was arrested for trafficking in Oxycodone. His name is not being released pending further investigation.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is still investigating the case.
WFTV
