Heroin Connected to Walmart Meth Lab Bust

Police have connected heroin to Thursday's and are continuing to investigate two individuals associated with the incident. 

St. Louis County Police arrested Jennifer Vaughn and Jeffrey Day June 7 at on Telegraph Road after Vaughn was detained on suspicion of shoplifting, said Sgt. Dan O'Neil with the South County Precinct. The sergeant responded to the shoplifting call when officers reportedly discovered a syringe and bubbling water bottle during a routine search of her purse. 

The , known as "shake and bake" labs. The materials used to make meth are stored and shaken in the bottle and can cause a violent reaction. Occasionally, O'Neil said, the bottles need to be "burped" to release the pressure. 

The sergeant observed vents in the Walmart and knew if the bottle exploded, the fumes could travel throughout the store. After the Meth Lab Unit and Mehlville Fire Protection District arrived, the lab was dismantled without incident. 

Police then searched the suspects' car and found six to eight pills or buttons of heroin on Day, O'Neil said. Officers also found camping fuel, a material to make meth, but no active lab in the car. 

Formal charges won't be issued for Day and Vaughn until the lab can analyze the chemicals.

"But I think they're looking at some serious charges, including endangerment, which is a Class A felony," O'Neil said.