Cops bust suspected meth lab near Mercer Co. police department

GREENVILLE, Pa. (AP) - Two people have been charged with operating a small methamphetamine lab in a home across the street from their Mercer County township's police station.

Online court records don't list attorneys for 29-year-old Shane Patterson and 20-year-old Ashley Dillen, whose home was raided last Thursday by state attorney general's agents and police in Hempfield Township. .

Patrolman Daniel McCloskey tells reporters the couple was using a "shake-and-bake" lab, a small, portable setup that enables someone to mix the powerful stimulant without cooking it on a stove or other heat source.

Police say they searched the house after getting an unspecified tip.

The couple face a preliminary hearing March 13 on conspiracy, drug manufacturing and other charges.