Illegal Lab, Weapons, Drugs Found In South Jersey Man's Home: Police

WEST DEPTFORD, NJ — Police found an illegal lab in a West Deptford man's garage as they arrested him for violating a restraining order on Thursday, officials said.

Scott Jamerson, 53, was later charged with drug and weapon offenses after authorities secured the area and searched his property.

State Police went to Jamerson's home at 11 a.m. Thursday to serve a warrant charging him with violating a final restraining order. He was found in his detached garage on 225 Walnut St. and arrested.

Inside the garage, police found what appeared to be a lab, said West Deptford Police Chief Michael Franks.

A range of agencies secured and investigated the scene, including the FBI, hazmat teams and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Police did not immediately specify what they found.

Jamerson was later charged with causing or risking widespread injury or damage, certain persons not to have weapons or ammunition, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Walnut Street was shut down for several hours during the investigation. But Franks re-iterated that the community was not in danger.

"This was an isolated incident," Franks said, "and I want to assure the affected residents in the immediate area and the West Deptford community that this situation was handled swiftly and professionally, with no immediate threat to public safety."

Jamerson was placed in the Cumberland County Jail for the charge of violating his restraining order. He'll be transferred to the Salem County Jail for the West Deptford charges.

Salem County provides jailing services for Gloucester County.