Cedar Rapids house fire leads to discovery of meth lab

CEDAR RAPIDS - A house fire in Cedar Rapids was caused by a meth lab, authorities said.

According to the Linn County Attorney's Office, Cedar Rapids police were called to a house fire at 1446 Golfview Dr. NE on Jan. 14. When officers responded, they discovered the remnants of a meth lab in the garage of the home.

Police returned with a search warrant and discovered drug paraphernalia and meth precursors, including ethyl ether, pseudoephedrine and ammonia nitrate.

As a result of their investigation, 33-year-old Shane E. Keller of Marion has been arrested and charged with first-degree arson, second-degree burglary, manufacturing meth and three counts of possession of a precursor with the intent to manufacture. Keller does not live at the home where the fire occurred.