Deputies exposed to chemical drug lab set up inside MoVal hotel room

MORENO VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - Riverside County sheriff's deputies on Wednesday uncovered a likely chemical drug lab illegally established in a Moreno Valley hotel room, leading to at least one arrest and raising concerns about the law enforcement officers' exposure risks.   

The probable PCP manufacturing lab was discovered shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Woodspring Suites Hotel at 24455 Hemlock Ave., near Indian Street and less than a quarter-mile north of the Moreno Valley (60) Freeway, according to reports from the scene.

County fire officials confirmed that three ambulances were sent to the location after firefighters learned of the investigation.   

There were immediate concerns that the deputies who had been inside the room, inspecting the alleged lab, may have been exposed to toxic substances. However, by 5:15 p.m., the patrol personnel had been evaluated and were not manifesting signs of illness, according to reports from the scene.

They did not require further medical attention. Only one ambulance remained, staging in the hotel parking lot, as a precaution.   

The suspect who allegedly set up the drug-making operation was arrested without incident and taken to nearby Riverside University Medical Center for further evaluation, officials said.

The person's name was not immediately released.   

No road closures were in effect in the area. It was unclear whether the hotel was evacuated.

There was also no immediate word regarding exactly how the lab was discovered.