Deputies find meth components in stopped car

Sheriff's deputies in Johnston County chased a woman Tuesday after she evaded a traffic stop. Upon her capture, they discovered the components of a methamphetamine lab in her car's trunk.

Posted 9:13 p.m. Dec 30, 2008 — Updated 9:11 p.m. Mar 9, 2009

BENSON, N.C. — Sheriff's deputies in Johnston County chased a woman Tuesday after she evaded a traffic stop. Upon her capture, they discovered the components of a methamphetamine lab in her car's trunk.

When deputies pulled over April Michelle Krob, 29, who is wanted on federal probation-violation charges, she sped away, leading a chase – in her vehicle and on foot.

"I was sitting in the living room and I heard a big boom. I came outside and I heard sirens. I saw this car flying around in my yard,” witness Jimmy Holmes said.

Holmes said he tried to stop Krob, but ended up getting hurt.

"I got in front of the car and she tried to run over me. Before I could get out from in front of her, she ran over my foot,” Holmes said.

Krob stopped the car and ran into nearby woods. She was caught at Raleigh and Shade Tree roads in Benson at about 4 p.m., Capt. Craig Fish said.

When deputies opened the car's trunk they discovered plastic coolers containing anhydrous ammonia – a dangerous chemical used to make meth.

Investigators say a container ruptured – possibly during the chase – and two deputies were exposed to the harmful and potentially deadly fumes. The men were rushed to the hospital for treatment and were expected to be OK.

“I didn't know what to think. It was scary for a minute because I didn't know what was going on,” witness Randy Hardee said.

Deputies took Krob and Jimmy Dixon, a male passenger who jumped from the car about a half-mile before Krob abandoned it, into custody.

Krob was charged with speeding, failing to stop for a stop sign, fleeing to elude arrest, reckless driving, possessing and manufacturing methamphetamine, possessing precursor chemicals for methamphetamine and maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances. She was being held Wednesday in the Johnston County Jail under a $1 million bond.

Dixon was charged with possessing and manufacturing methamphetamine, conspiracy and possessing precursor chemicals for methamphetamine. He was being held in jail under a $500,000 bond.

Investigators said they will seek a search warrant for the house where Krob was staying.

Shade Tree Road was closed Tuesday, and some homes evacuated as a safety precaution, while hazardous-materials personnel removed the coolers from the vehicle.

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