A meth lab explosion in an
East Tulsa neighborhood did not surprise neighbors, they were expecting it.
It happened Saturday night in the 6200 block of East 17th Street around 6:30. The neatly kept house with its mowed lawn was engulfed in flames as Tulsa police and fire crews pulled out the makings of a meth lab.
“You know it's going to happen, it's just a matter of time,” said next door neighbor Judy Denton.
Denton made a sign that said “Meth Lab Closed.” It thanks the Tulsa Police Department and the Tulsa Fire Department. She made it because she wanted all the usual train of shady cars who come by the house at all hours of the night to stop showing up.
“It's every night, every day,” said Denton. “People carrying in suit cases last week, so I knew something was going to go down because I never seen suit cases before.”
Denton said she has been calling police for months and keeping a journal of every time she called and who she talked with each time. She said she was disappointed no one ever stopped this explosion from happening especially because of how many children live in the neighborhood.
“One time white pick up truck pulled up and a guy got out he runs to the door, knocks on the door, and the other guy drives down the street turns around and the first guy is back in the truck before I even know what is happening,” described Denton.
Other neighbors grew fearful.
“It was the array of cars that really put up the red flag, “ said Christine Pastrana, who is another of three young children who live down the street from the meth house.
Denton said the one good thing that came of the explosion is the children in the neighborhood have all come outside to play.
“It was really different,” said Denton. “The kids are playing outside in the yard. It's so nice to see. They never get to play with each other; this is the first time I have seen them in the front yard.”
The house caught fire four times in 24 hours. The fire department had to show up at 1:30a.m. on Sunday morning, 6:00a.m. and around 3:30p.m.
Police have not located the home owner. Neighbors want the eyesore cleaned up as soon as possible.
