Crestwood Man Accused Of Running Meth Lab In Apartment That Sickened 8 First Responders

CRESTWOOD, IL — A Crestwood man, who was initially the subject of a well-being check at his apartment last month when he had become sickened by fumes from a supposed methamphetamine lab, is now facing felony drug charges, police said.

John C. Fiacchino is charged with possession with the intent to deliver meth, a class 1 felony, and possession with intent to deliver psilocybin (mushrooms), a class 3 felony. He has also been charged with reckless conduct.

Crestwood police officers and firefighters responded to a report of a possible meth lab the afternoon of Oct. 1 in the 12700 block of Central Avenue. While inside the unit, four officers and four firefighters became sickened after breathing toxic fumes. They were transported to the hospital, along with Fiacchino. The eight first responders were treated and released.

Paramedics and firefighters did not know they had been exposed to the chemicals until they returned to the unit, having initially responded to a well-being check, a source told Patch.

Police sent evidence found inside the apartment to the Illinois State Police Crime Lab. Fiacchino was taken into custody Tuesday at the Crestwood police station. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved felony charges.

Fiacchino appeared for a pre-detention hearing Wednesday afternoon at the Bridgeview Courthouse.