The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Boone County Sheriff’s investigators continue their search for two men involved with Wednesday’s meth lab bust near Hinton, just north of Columbia.

Authorities believe two of the four suspects involved with the meth lab might have left the Mid-Missouri area.

After getting calls from several neighbors, the Boone County Sheriff Department’s SWAT Team found a meth lab at 7405 North Highway VV.  During the search, a Boone County deputy was bit in the upper thigh by a pit bull.  The pit bull was shot twice and is expected to live.  The wounded deputy is in good condition.  Investigators said four suspects are involved with the meth lab bust.  Jerry Vanderpool, 40, was arrested for possessing drug paraphernalia and was released.  Investigators said the two men who were not at home at the time of the SWAT raid are allegedly responsible for the meth lab operation.  The homeowner faces possible charges of meth possession and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.  Authorities are not releasing the names of those three suspects until they are officially charged or arrested.

Boone County Sheriff’s Detective Tom O’Sullivan said, “If we do come in contact with two of the individuals that were not at the residence, we will arrest them.  They have a history of fleeing and evading law enforcement.  If we can’t get them into custody right away, there will be a warrant out for their arrest.”

All three of the men facing possible charges in connection with the meth lab bust have a criminal history.  Authorities are not asking for the public’s help in finding these individuals.  Investigators are questioning friends, family and associates of the three wanted men.

Animal Control officers gave seven citations to the alleged owner of the meth lab during the past two weeks for possessing vicious dogs and not vaccinating them.