Police find mobile meth lab in backpack

CEDAR RAPIDS - A 35-year-old Cedar Rapids man was charged Thursday night after police found he was carrying a mobile meth lab in his back.

According to Cedar Rapids police Sgt. Cristy Hamblin, officers were headed to a call in southwest Cedar Rapids when they noticed Jason Grulkey carrying three backpacks along 16th Street SW.

It was reported Grulkey stopped at 371 16th St. SE and set the bags down to look in them, and when he saw that he had been spotted he abandoned the bags. Police managed to call him back, Hamblin said.

Upon investigating, police found a mobile meth lab in one of Grulkey's backpacks. Police also said they spoke to 48-year-old Paul Elkins, of 372 16th St. SE, who was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Grulkey was charged with Possession of Precursors, a Class C felony, and Manufacturing Methamphetamine, a Class B felony.

Grulkey is currently being held at the Linn County Jail on $30,000 cash bond.