MSU police say meth lab prompted closure of Wells Hall this week
Key Points:
- Michigan State University's Wells Hall was closed for several days after police discovered a meth lab inside the building, leading to the arrest of 31-year-old Xin Tong on felony charges related to operating a meth lab and property destruction.
- Police found Tong with various chemicals commonly used in meth production, including sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, methanol, and butane, following reports of property damage on April 26.
- Tong was arraigned on charges of malicious destruction of property over $20,000 and maintaining a methamphetamine lab, and is currently held on a $500,000 bond; his affiliation with MSU has not been disclosed.
- Wells Hall, the largest academic building on campus, was closed to allow time for investigation and safety evaluations, disrupting scheduled final exams and prompting the university to find alternative locations.
- MSU police and officials have limited information release due to the ongoing investigation, and the building is expected to remain closed through May 1 while safety assessments continue.