Police: Newnan Man Steve McLeroy Had Portable Meth Lab At Walmart

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. -- A Newnan man has been arrested after police said he had a portable methamphetamine lab in his backpack at a Peachtree City Walmart.

Investigators were called to the store along West Highway 54 at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday after receiving a report of a suspicious person in the store.

Peachtree City police began talking to Steve McLeroy, 40, once they arrived at the store and then searched his backpack.

Inside, the officers said they found a small amount of marijuana and a homemade device to make methamphetamine.

Officers said that’s when they arrested McLeroy, charging him with manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, obstructing officers and reckless conduct.

Police said they called in the Drug Enforcement Agency's Clandestine Lab Team to assist with the investigation because of the potential exposure to hazardous chemicals used while making meth.

McLeroy is being held at the Fayette County Jail awaiting bond.