Man found in Michigan State building with substances used to make meth: Police
A man suspected of breaking into a Michigan State University academic building over the weekend was found with household items that could be used to make methamphetamine, according to East Lansing campus police.
Police said officers responded to Wells Hall, the school’s largest academic building, on Sunday for a possible trespassing complaint. They encountered a man carrying “numerous bags” on the fifth floor of the building, according to MSU Police Chief Mike Yankowski.
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The bags contained “different substances known to be used in the production of meth,” according to an affidavit of probable cause obtained by ABC Lansing affiliate WLNS.
The substances included sodium hydroxide pellets, hydrochloric acid, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone and butane, according to the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety.
“A lot of these items are household items, items you can buy at retail stores or online,” Yankowski said at a news conference Wednesday. he said. “These products may not be dangerous on their own, but if you start mixing the chemicals together, a reaction will occur.”
Scott Olson/Getty Images – PHOTO: A Michigan State University sign is displayed on campus in East Lansing, Michigan, on February 14, 2023.
According to the affidavit, the person was identified as 31-year-old Xin Tong with an expired MSU student ID.
He is charged with possession of substances used to operate or maintain a meth laboratory, according to campus police. It became clear on Thursday Officers did not find a methamphetamine laboratory in Wells Hall.
Tong is also charged with malicious destruction of a building worth more than $20,000, alleging the suspect “intentionally damaged and/or destroyed property at Wells Hall” between April 10 and April 26, police said. Yankowski said there was a “significant amount” of damage to flooring, doors and fixtures inside the facility.
Tong was arraigned Wednesday and is being held in Ingham County Jail on $500,000 bail, police said. Online court records do not list any attorney information for him.
Wells Hall has been closed since Monday due to the ongoing investigation as police work to determine what items were found in the suspect’s bags and evaluate the facility.
Campus police said the building will remain closed through Friday “as authorities continue to evaluate the building to ensure it is safe.” in question.
Police are investigating how the suspect got into the building, which is usually closed on weekends, Yankowski said.
