Muncie couple charged with running meth lab near elementary school

A Muncie couple was arrested Thursday, accused of manufacturing methamphetamine near a school and daycare center.

Police responded to Jerry and Barbara Browning's home on East 9th Street Wednesday after someone called to report a chemical odor, according to The Star Press.


Officers found an active lab in a back room and a substance that tested positive as methamphetamine, according to officials.

The couple lived in the home with their three children, all under the age of 11. Barbara Browning told police she would leave the house while Jerry manufactured the drug.

The couple's home is less than 200 feet away from Sutton Elementary School.

Police said the couple also had five dogs who were "very unkempt," according The Star Press.

Both Jerry and Barbara Browning are preliminarily charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of drug precursors and three counts of neglect of a dependent. They are currently being held without bond in the Delaware County Jail.