Cedar Rapids men arrested in meth bust

CEDAR RAPIDS - Two Cedar Rapids men are accused of cooking meth at a vacant property.

According to public safety spokesman Greg Buelow, officers were called to 248 18th St. NW at 8:28 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a burglary. Responding officers found two suspects - later identified as 47-year-old Robert Blank and 39-year-old Michael Fienhold - inside a shed on the property, which is otherwise vacant.

Buelow said a meth lab was found inside the shed, along with meth making ingredients such as petroleum distillates and ethyl ether.

Blank was arrested at the scene and faces charges of third-degree burglary, manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of precursors, Buelow said.

Fienhold fled the scene on the foot but was captured with the assistance of a K-9 officer. He was arrested and faces charges of third-degree burglary, manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of meth precursors and interference with official acts.