UPDATED Police: Man Brings Hammer, Brass Knuckles and Meth Ingredients to the Ames Public Library

Updated 12:27 p.m. April 19, 2013.

A 27-year-old homeless man was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon and possession of methamphetamine precursors after a hammer in his waistband caused alarm at the Ames Public Library Wednesday afternoon, according to criminal complaints.

Robert Arlington Dolph, 27, alarmed staff who saw a hammer in his waistband and syringes in his pockets, complaints said.

Staff called police about 1 p.m. Wednesday and officers found lithium batteries, prescription pills containing ephedrine, fertilizer stakes and a set of brass knuckles on the man, the article said. He also had syringes, cotton and a spoon in his pocket. 

Complaints said the items Dolph had were common in the "one pot" methamphetamine manufacturing method. The method allows meth makers to cook meth in one container usually a two-liter bottle, according to a story in the Quad City Times.

The process is dangerous but allows meth makers to make the drug inside more easily, the article said.

Dolph was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Possession of methamphetamine precursors is a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.

The man was homeless according to the Ames Police Department's daily arrest report.

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