Jan. 17--From interview with Lenoir County Sheriff Chris Hill at 11 p.m.:
"The 911 center received a report of a house fire around 7 p.m. at 5626 N.C. 11 South, Kinston. A meth lab was found at that address about 4 months ago. Ralph "Fast Eddie" Stroud was charged with manufacturing meth at that time. He then made bond and was apparently back home."
"It's possible that tonight's fire was caused by a meth lab explostion. A highway patrol helicopter out of Raleigh assisted in the search, but we could not find Eddie Stroud. A witness saw someone exit the house through a window at the time of the fire, but we cannot confirm it was Stroud."
"Eddie Stroud is a person of interest in the case. Technically tonight's search for Stroud was a case of trying to save his life in case he was injured in the explosion.
"The Pink Hill Fire Department, local support fire departmetns and the SBI were on the scene. The area is now being treated as a crime scene that we will manage through the night and investigate starting Friday morning.
"We're looking into the possibility this fire was caused by a meth lab explosion. We found materials associated with the prodution of meth in the home."
Press release issued by LCSO at 11:30 p.m.:
CONFIRMED METH LAB AT FIRE SCENE IN PINK HILL
The Lenoir County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation into the cause of a fire and possible explosion at 5626 Hwy. 11 South in Pink Hill. Lenoir County emergency responders were dispatched to a fire at this address around 7:00 p.m. tonight. This property is owned by Eddie Stroud, who is currently charged with methamphetamine production from a Lenoir County Sheriff's Narcotics Division investigation that occurred approximately four months ago. Stroud was released on bond for those charges. Numerous agencies are participating in the suppression and investigation of this fire and the search for the suspect. They include the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office, Lenoir County Emergency Services, Pink Hill Volunteer Fire Department, NCSBI, NCSHP Troopers and a NCSHP Air Unit based out of Raleigh.
Witnesses who notified Lenoir County Communications of the fire reported seeing an unknown person exit the burning building and running from the scene. At this time, there has not been a positive identification of the man running from the fire, but deputies and troopers are searching the area for that suspect using Sheriff Canines and the North Carolina Highway Patrol helicopter based out of Raleigh. Based upon the past history known to law enforcement of this property and the owner, they are searching for Eddie "Fast Eddie" Stroud as a person of interest, but currently there are no active warrants.
Fire investigators with the Lenoir County Fire Marshal's Office and narcotics investigators trained in identification of methamphetamine labs have begun the investigation into the fire. It is difficult to immediately determine if an explosion was the exact cause of the fire, but it has been confirmed there methamphetamine in the building along with other methamphetamine precursors.
Sheriff Chris Hill stated "the suspect has fled the scene at this time, but we are actively searching the area to locate that person. Based upon our past history with this property, it is apparent the owner has not learned any lesson from the previous meth charges we filed against them. Their addiction to this horrendous drug has caused this fire endangering our firefighters, law enforcements and other first responders and this is something that I will not tolerate. My detectives will again charge everyone that is involved."
Anyone who comes in contact with Eddie Stroud or any suspicious person/activity in the area is asked to call Lenoir County Communications 911 Center and allow deputies to make contact with them. Due to the cold temperatures and possible injuries, the fleeing suspect will be seeking shelter. Although this person may be injured due to the fire, it has been confirmed they are involved in the production of methamphetamine and may be dangerous.
Copyright 2014 - The Free Press, Kinston, N.C.
