Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office personnel to include Patrol Deputies, Detectives assigned to Criminal Investigation Division and Narcotics Division worked together today in what first started as a search warrant for stolen property at 7464 Gates Road that progressed into locating Methamphetamine labs.

While searching the residence at 7464 Gates Road for stolen property, a meth lab was located in the garage area of the home while several more were located in the wooded area behind the same home. As the investigation progressed information was received that two suspects involved in this residence could be located at a second address at 7434 Gates Rd.

One of the suspects identified as Jeremy Cross age 26 was located inside the home at 7434 Gates Road while Scotty Higgins age 31 was found hiding in the attic area of the home. Higgins was thought to be armed and deputies returned to the attic area to search for a possible weapon. While searching the attic for a weapon, a meth lab placed under insulation spilled exposing two deputies to the chemicals and one also suffered burns to an arm and leg. Both deputies received medical attention at an area hospital.

Jeremy Cross was charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine; while Scotty Higgins was charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, two counts of Felony Reckless Endangerment, Vandalism and Felony Possession of Methamphetamine.

Both were transported to the Hamilton County Jail.

Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene while the State Methamphetamine Task Force responded for clean-up and scene safety.