Peterson, Iowa-A stakeout team, including Clay County sheriff’s deputies and a state narcotics agent, got more than a whiff of anhydrous ammonia late last month while apprehending two persons trying to make off with the ammonia, presumably for making methamphetamine. “We all were able to get away from the vapors and get a breath of fresh air,” Special Narcotics Agent Chris Nissen told Green Markets. “But everybody’s healthy now and no one’s having any problems.” Nissen said the officers were acting on “information that it (the theft) was going to occur, so we were standing by waiting for them.” He said the pair was apprehended fleeing with about a half gallon of anhydrous in a Tupperware-like plastic container. One of the thieves threw the container up in the air, and ammonia started coming out immediately. Emergency responders treated and decontaminated the officers and suspects, one of whom sustained minor chemical burns. The two suspects have been charged with ongoing criminal conduct, a class B felony; assault while participating in a felony; two counts of possession of precursors, each class D felonies; transporting anhydrous ammonia in an unauthorized container, a serious misdemeanor; and interference with official acts, a simple misdemeanor. They are being held in the Clay County jail on $51,300 cash bond. Two motor vehicles have been seized by the sheriff’s office for forfeiture, and additional assets could be targeted as the investigation continues.
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