A investigation of a suspicious person on private property in rural Somerset County led state police to two suspected methamphetamine labs and the arrest of a Somerset man.

Kyle W. Ash, 38, of Somerset is charged with two counts each of operating a methamphetamine laboratory, possession of a controlled substance, manufacturing a controlled substance, risking a catastrophe, possession of drug paraphernalia and reckless endangerment filed by state police in Somerset.

Methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant, can be cooked up in makeshift laboratories. Police in the region have targeted several purported meth cooking operations and alleged crystal meth dealers, making arrests or investigating six cases since February in Westmoreland, Fayette and Somerset counties.

In the most recent case, Trooper Jared Bruno said police were called to the 200 block of Fetterolf Road in Jenner Township about 9:24 a.m. Monday for a report of a person trespassing on private property. Before troopers arrived, Ash fled the area on foot, Bruno said.

Troopers determined that methamphetamine was recently manufactured at the site, Bruno said. Shortly after troopers got a description of the suspect, Ash was located and arrested.

“As a result of the investigation, two methamphetamine laboratories were located, properly disassembled and disposed of,” Bruno said.

The second meth operation was about 12 miles away along May View Drive in Somerset Township, police reported.

Ash was ordered to jail after failing to post $50,000 bond set late Monday by Windber District Judge William Seger. His preliminary hearing will be scheduled before Somerset District Judge Kenneth Johnson.

Paul Peirce is a reporter for the Tribune-Review. He can be reached at 724-850-2860, ppeirce@tribweb.com or via Twitter @ppeirce_trib.

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