Meth lab found near elementary school

Authorities seized a meth lab located just a half a block away from Garfield Elementary School and arrested one man Thursday morning.

At about 10:15 a.m., the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force served a search warrant at 612 S. Lincoln Ave. where they found a one-pot meth lab, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to a news release.

Jon Eric Leonard, 38, was arrested on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, keeping a place where a controlled substance is used and stored, possession of paraphernalia and violation of a drug free zone.

Weather played a role in the timing of the bust. Due to the school being so close to the home, authorities chose Thursday to serve the warrant so the task force was able to process the lab without worrying about a north wind that would contaminate the school area.

DeeAnn Konrad, community relations supervisor with the Sioux Falls School District, said there were no interruptions to the elementary’s daily schedule.

“We work closely with law enforcement and take lead directly from them,” Konrad said. “They contact us and tell us exactly what our actions should be and they did not indicate the need for anything.”

Konrad said because of the building’s security and it being locked to people unless they check in with the front office, she wasn’t concerned with anyone being harmed during the execution of the warrant.

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, Rural Metro ambulance and the Garfield Elementary School Resource Officer assisted.