Police find meth lab materials during assault investigation

ONEIDA, N.Y. » City police said they discovered meth lab materials while investigating an assault incident on Tuesday.

At about 4 a.m., the Oneida police were dispatched to a disturbance in the area behind the Kallet Theater, between Main Street and Cedar Street.

Officers were advised that that new reports were indicating that a male was laying on the ground and had been hit in the head with a hatchet.

Upon arrival, officers located a 25-year-old

male victim laying the ground and bleeding from the head. He was being tended to by witnesses to the incident until Rescue and Ambulance arrived on scene.

The victim was then rushed to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica and was taken to the operating room, according to city police.

Police noted that the injuries do not appear to be life-threatening, and the victim is expected to survive and recover.

With the assistance of witnesses, police said they were able to quickly identify people involved. Additional information and investigation led the officers to 118 Madison St., apartment #6. Officers attempted to locate and speak with persons therein, but were met with resistance.

Investigators were called in to assist with the investigation.

A search warrant was obtained for 118 Madison St., apartment #6.

Officers and investigators executed the search warrant, where they found the suspect and others. All persons were detained, and some were taken in for further questioning and investigation.

During the course of the search of the apartment, our officers also located a hatchet, which appears to be the weapon used in the assault.

Also, during the search of the apartment, Officers located drug paraphernalia, and items that were consistent with methamphetamine manufacturing materials.

A new search warrant was obtained, and the NYSP Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCSERT) responded to assist with the search, collection, mitigation, and disposal of the items located. (NOTE: None of the items were actually mixed, so they did not pose an immediate danger to the other tenants or public.)

Following further investigation, the Investigators arrested and charged Garrett J. Mcconnell, 19, of Boonville, with:

• Assault 1st - by means of a deadly weapon (class B felony)

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th (class A Misdemeanor)

Mcconnell was arraigned before the Oneida City Court and was remanded to the Madison County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail or $50,000 bond.

In regards to the methamphetamine manufacturing materials located at 118 Madison St, apartment #6, Investigators arrested and charged Joshua J. Parkhurst, 28, of Madison St., Oneida, with:

• Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine 2nd (class C felony)

• Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine 3rd (class D felony)

• Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd (class A Misdemeanor)

Parkhurst was arraigned before the Oneida City Court and was remanded to the Madison County Jail in lieu of bail.

The assault incident remains under investigation, and additional arrests and charges may be forthcoming.

Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the assault incident, and the events leading up to it, to contact Inv. Bailey at (315)363-9111.

SUBMITTED PHOTO From left, Garrett Mcconnell and Joshua Parkhurst.