Michigan State University was forced to reschedule final exams after authorities discovered a man inside its largest academic building with household substances that could be used to operate a methamphetamine lab.
The 31-year-old man was charged Wednesday with malicious destruction of property and possessing substances to operate a meth lab. Wells Hall, the affected building, has remained closed since Monday following the incident.
Campus Police Chief Mike Yankowski did not explicitly confirm an active drug lab was found inside.
However, he noted that flooring, doors, and carpet would require cleaning or replacement due to the substances.
Citing federal privacy law, Chief Yankowski declined to disclose whether the man is a student. He was ordered to jail on a $500,000 cash bond.
Police initially responded to a trespassing call Sunday night, finding the man inside the building with multiple bags of liquids.
These were identified as hydrochloric acid, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and butane. "Most of these items are household items," Yankowski stated. "Those products alone might not be dangerous, but if you start mixing chemicals together there is a reaction."
The incident occurred as Michigan State, located in East Lansing, is conducting final exams this week, to be followed by graduation ceremonies.
