Two Arrested after Suspected BHO Lab Explosion Destroys Glendale Building
Two men were in custody and authorities were looking for two more people after a suspected butane honey oil (BHO) lab explosion destroyed a building in the Glendale area last weekend.
On Saturday at about 9 p.m., detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) investigated a suspicious structure fire that had occurred earlier in the day in the 1400-block of Tunnel Road.
The structure fire was initially reported to 9-1-1 at 4:15 p.m. Saturday at which time Glendale Fire responded and prevented the fire from spreading. The 1,500-square-foot general purpose building was a total loss. Nearby residences and the surrounding forest were under threat during the height of the incident.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office also responded and notified DINT that the fire was likely caused by an illegal BHO lab. Detectives obtained a search warrant and found evidence indicating this was a suspected marijuana extraction lab and production facility.
Two men -- 38-year-old Christopher Drezek of Glendale and 35-year-old Kendall Jorgensen of Ashland -- were uninjured in the explosion. Two persons of interest fled the scene prior to the arrival of first responders. There were no permits in place allowing the location to be a marijuana production facility of any kind.
Drezek and Jorgensen were lodged at the Douglas County Jail for Arson Incident to Manufacture of a Cannabinoid Extract plus Unlawful Manufacture, Possession and Delivery of Marijuana. Jorgensen was also charged with Unlawful Possession of Schedule 1, 2, 3 and 4 Controlled Substances. Eight firearms were seized.
DINT is actively seeking the whereabouts of the two persons who fled the scene. The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated.
Posted on 8/7/24 6:16AM by Sam Marsh
