Three area residents were taken into custody after police allegedly located a methamphetamine laboratory in a Fredonia apartment on Nov. 11.

According to the Fredonia Police Department, around 12:30 a.m., officers conducted a search at 8 W. Main St., Apartment D. Upon entering the apartment, officers apparently observed a large quantity of drug paraphernalia out in plain view.

The three occupants of the apartment – William Baker, 27, of Ruggles Street, Dunkirk; Travis Worden, 25, of Robinson Street, Silver Creek; and Karen Pelz, 20, of West Main Street, Falconer – were charged in connection to the seizure.

On a coffee table, along with the drug paraphernalia and in immediate proximity to Baker, officers allegedly seized a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun that has since been reported as stolen in a burglary. Also allegedly discovered during the investigation were compounds, chemicals, solutions, pills and lab equipment used for the manufacture of crystal meth.

Based on discovery of these items, the New York State Police CCSERT-West team was contacted and responded to the scene to conduct tests sampling and cleanup/disposal of the hazardous materials.

All three suspects were charged with unlawful manufacture of meth (a class D felony) and criminally using drug paraphernalia (a class A misdemeanor). Baker was additionally charged with criminal possession of a firearm (a class E felony).

The Dunkirk Police Department assisted in conducting the search of the apartment.