A Powell Street structure fire Tuesday led to the discovery of a drug lab.
Hollister Fire Department responded to a call at 808 Powell Street around 6:20 p.m. The fire department was called on a report of an explosion and fire at the address, according to a Hollister Police Department press release. Not long after, medical and police assistance were requested.
The police department press release reads as follows:
On the evening of May 2, 2017 about 6:21 p.m. Hollister Fire Department personnel called the Hollister Police Department to 808 Powell Street to investigate a suspicious fire. The fire department had been called on a report of an explosion and fire at that location. Upon arrival firefighters discovered there had been a fire in a garage attached to the apartment complex, and a burn victim, Lance Gallo, Jr. They called police when they found items indicative of a lab explosion.
Upon inspecting the garage, officers found butane, marijuana and other items used to manufacture “butane honey oil”; a form of concentrated cannabis. The building’s fire sprinklers had extinguished the flames. Unified Narcotic Enforcement Team (UNET) agents were called out to assist in the investigation. UNET agents obtained a search warrant and seized evidence and disposed of the dangerous and potentially deadly products associated with the lab operation.
Lance Gallo, Jr (21) was treated on scene for second and third degree burns before being transported to a bay area trauma center.
Charges of manufacturing a controlled substance, unlawful use of fire, child endangerment and marijuana possession for sales will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
The Hollister Police Department would like to remind our citizens that manufacturing marijuana oil is not only illegal, but can be extremely dangerous.
Anyone having information on this case is asked to call Officer Esqueda at the Hollister Police Department at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
