Robert L. Stephens, 31, and David W. Towers, 25 (Cortland Police Department)
CORTLAND, N.Y. — Two people were taken into custody early Wednesday morning after their homemade meth lab caused an explosion inside an apartment building in the city of Cortland, according to the Cortland Police Department.
At around 3:10 a.m., the Cortland Police Department and Cortland Fire Department responded to an apartment at 400 Jefferson Road for a report of an explosion.
During the investigation, officers learned that two people were making meth inside an upstairs bathroom in the apartment when the explosion occurred. While the explosion caused "major damage" to the bathroom, no one was injured, according to Lt. Richard Troyer with the Cortland Police Department.
Robert L. Stephens, 31, of Virgil, was taken into custody at the scene. Police were able to locate the other suspect, David W. Towers, 25, who was listed as homeless, a short time later on South Avenue.
Stephens and Towers were charged with third-degree unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine, a class D felony, and misdemeanor charges of conspiracy, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.
The New York State Contaminated Crime Scene Response Team responded to assist with the investigation.
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Robert L. Stephens lives in Virgil. His address is in the town of Groton.
