Man faces drug charges after attempt to share kennel thwarted

The occupant of a dog kennel convinced a man on the run from police to vacate the premises Tuesday night, leading the man's arrest on drug charges.

Andrew Sarchett ducked into the kennel behind 1716 Fifth Ave. SE as officers were pursuing him in the alley between Fourth and Fifth avenues about 9:30 p.m., police Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said. The officers had spotted Sarchett and another man acting suspiciously in the alley.

Sarchett's companion, Shane LaGrange, 28, stayed behind when Sarchett ran after officers noticed pseudoephedrine tablets, anhydrous ammonia, and lithium batteries, all commonly used to make methamphetamine, nearby. After encountering the dog in its home, Sarchett kicked his way out, damaging one of its fenced sides.

Officers arrested Sarchett in the 400 block of 17th Street SE, where one officer suffered a minor injury to his hand during the apprehension. Complaining of pain in his own hand, Sarchett was taken to St. Luke's Hospital, where staff discovered he was carrying a bag of marijuana. He was later taken to the Linn County Jail.

Sarchett, 29, who listed an address of 1722 Fourth Ave. SE when he was booked into jail, remains there on suspicion of fifth-degree criminal mischief, four counts of possession of  precursors with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and interference with official acts causing injury. Bail is set at $34,500.

LaGrange, of 95 Boca Chica Dr., Hiawatha, was released after an initical court appearance for two counts of possession of  precursors with intent to manufacture.