Man shot at Palo Auto Salvage faces drug charges

PALO - The Cedar Rapids man shot at the Palo Auto Salvage following an argument was carrying meth-making materials, authorities said.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office was called to the Palo Auto Salvage, 3958 Old Ferry Road for a report of trespassing around 4:40 p.m. Monday. There, deputies found 45-year-old Melvin H. Roberts, Jr. and 59-year-old David McVay. Roberts was suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg, authorities said.

McVay told deputies he shot Roberts after he trespassed in the business and the two men got into an argument.

Roberts was taken to a hospital and then to the Linn County Jail for an active arrest warrant. Deputies searched Roberts' backpack and found meth-making materials such as sodium hydroxide, pseudoephedrine, lithium batteries, jars, tubes and other items, according to the Linn County Attorney's Office.

Roberts was also found with acetaminophen mixed with codeine without a valid prescription. He has been charged with three counts of possession of precursors and one count of unlawful possession of a prescription drug.

McVay has not been charged in connection with the incident.