BOSCOBEL (WKOW) -- Authorities said they found a portable and active methamphetamine lab in the back seat of a truck with a toddler Saturday in Boscobel.
Officials said around 6 p.m., a Grant County Sheriff's deputy pulled over a driver and passenger for not wearing their seatbelts on the 100 block of E. Oak Street.
Authorities said during the inspection, the deputy saw a portable meth lab in the backseat next to a two-year-old. Later, the area was blocked off for public safety.
Officials said a further search of the truck yielded two loaded semi-automatic handguns.
Police say Patrick and Deanna Hogan were arrested on several tentative felony charges, including a charge of manufacture of methamphetamine against Patrick Hogan. A probable cause affidavit states a loaded handgun was found in Deanna Hogan's purse, and another handgun was found in the truck. Patrick Hogan has a 2004 reckless injury felony conviction and was tentatively charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities say Deanna Hogan was released after $500 bail was posted.
The child was released to a family member and evaluated at the Boscobel Hospital.
Neighbor Jennifer Boies told 27 News she's surprised the Hogans would have a portable methamphetamine lab, and is concerned this incident took place outside their apartment building.
"Meth can blow up. It's a scary, very scary situation for a family, and other families in the building."
Safe Actions for Everyone (S.A.F.E.) Grant County Coalition project director Kathy Marty said a recent town hall meeting reinforced methamphetamine production has returned to the county in recent years after a period of absence.
County health officer Jeffrey Kindrai said there have been two meth labs identified and shut down since 2011. But Kindrai said the portable production of methamphetamine, or so-called "shake and bake," is a less elaborate procedure and raises the specter of the illegal drug-trade growing. Marty said methamphetamine remains one of the most addictive illegal drugs.
Marty told 27 News restrictions in several states on the acquisition of meth-lab ingredient Sudafed does not affect portable labs, because different ingredients are used.
