Alert Off Duty Trooper Arrests Two in Mobile Meth Lab

PERU, IN - On February 5, 2009, Indiana State Trooper T.J. Zeiser arrested Chad J. Hann, 34, and his girlfriend Breann N. Wade, 19, both of Peru, IN, after allegedly finding a mobile methamphetamine lab in Wade’s Ford Probe. Both face a Class B felony charge related to the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Wade was also charged with a class D felony for maintaining a common nuisance. Both are incarcerated in the Miami County Jail with a surety bond of $25,000.  

At approximately 2:09 a.m., Trooper T.J. Zeiser was off duty and driving his unmarked Indiana State Police pickup truck. He was traveling on Miami County Road 250 West when he observed a Ford Probe stopped in the middle of the road. As he drove towards the Ford, the vehicle drove off. Trooper Zeiser smelled the distinct odor of anhydrous ammonia in the area. He called for assistance and the Ford was stopped by Miami County Sheriff’s Deputy Stephenie Coppler.

On initial approach of the Ford, officers smelled an odor of ammonia emitting from the body of passenger Chad J. Hann. A criminal check on Hann indicated he was wanted on two criminal warrants for the purchase of more than three grams of precursors in a week. The warrants were issued from courts in Miami and Howard Counties.

Also, officers purportedly observed articles commonly associated with the manufacturing of methamphetamine. A subsequent search of the Ford allegedly exposed an active methamphetamine lab with chemicals in the final reaction stage.

Troopers also found evidence of an active methamphetamine lab in a wood line near the area where Zeiser initially observed the Ford. Hann and the vehicle’s driver, Breann Wade, were arrested.

Members of the Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Enforcement Team cleaned up and secured the hazardous chemical associated with the methamphetamine lab. Zeiser was assisted in this investigation by ISP Sergeant Brent Ingram and Trooper Mike Lorona. 

Citizens are encouraged to report suspected illegal drug activity by calling their local law enforcement or the anonymous Indiana State Police Methamphetamine Tip Hotline at 1-800-453-4756.