UNION CITY, Ohio – Law enforcement personnel found an active meth lab while checking on the welfare of a juvenile reported to be in distress Thursday evening.

Officers from the Union City Ohio Police Department responded to 611 E. Elm St. in Union City, Ohio to perform a welfare check on a juvenile who was reported to be in distress Jan. 14. Officers made contact with the occupants, and upon opening the door, they noticed a strong chemical odor resembling the smell of a methamphetamine lab. The occupants were asked to exit the house, which they did voluntarily.

The Darke County Sheriff’s Office Meth Team was activated and the Union City Indiana Police Department also responded to render assistance.

Consent was granted to search the residence, and an active meth lab was found in the basement. Also found in the basement was Shane Livingston, who was taken into custody on an outstanding felony warrant.

The Darke County Sheriff’s Meth Lab team deactivated the active meth cook, and the house was secured for inspection by the Darke County Health Department.

Evidence was collected from the scene and the case is still currently under investigation pending further criminal charges.

The Union City Ohio Police Department is committed to removing illegal activities and unsafe illegal drug operations from the community. Anyone wishing to give information on drug activity is encouraged to contact the police department with any information that you feel may be helpful in apprehending he persons responsible for making our community unsafe.