Crime & Safety

Exploding 'Meth Lab:' Wanted Man Turns Himself In

Jeffrey Caulfield, 1 of 2 men sought by police in connection with alleged 'meth lab' in Northeast Bethlehem, faces 8 criminal charges.

 

UPDATED: 8 p.m.

One of two men wanted in connection with a suspected methamphetamine lab in Northeast Bethlehem that exploded and caught fire turned himself Thursday morning, Bethlehem police said.

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Jeffrey Caulfield, 28, is the third person connected with the alleged meth lab at 1965 Greenleaf St. to be arrested. Police have a warrant for Caulfield in which he is charged with operating a meth lab, criminal conspiracy, causing a catastrophe and five other crimes.

Police have already arrested the house’s owner, Elaine M. Noone, 64, and one alleged accomplice, 39, of Palmer Township.

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Caulfield was arraigned before District Judge James Narlesky in Hanover Township and then committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.

A fourth alleged co-conspirator, Daniel James Houser, 39, remains at large. On Tuesday, police released a photo of Houser. However, police noted that he no longer has a ponytail and has suffered burns to his face, lips, arms and right leg as a result of the March 8 explosion and fire at the alleged meth lab.

Anyone with information about Houser’s whereabouts is asked to call the Bethlehem Police Department at 610-865-7187 or Det. Christopher Vasvari at 610-865-7129.

The explosion and fire happened about three hours before Bethlehem police planned to execute a search warrant at the house, which was obtained as a result of a two-month investigation into methamphetamine sales in the city and Bethlehem Township, police said.

The home has been condemned by city officials.


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