Suspects accused of burning meth lab building with cops inside

PARK HILLS, Mo. (AP) -- Three eastern Missouri residents face charges of arson and evidence tampering after allegedly setting fire to a home while police officers were inside looking for a methamphetamine lab.

Those arrested were John Matthews, 44, and his wife, Lisa Matthews, 42, both of Park Hills; and James Mahurin II, 32, of Desloge.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating. The patrol gave this account:

On Thursday, officers with the Mineral Area Drug Task Force were conducting an undercover investigation of an alleged meth lab in Park Hills. Police believe the building was set on fire while the two investigators were inside.

The officers got out safely and extinguished the fire before the building was destroyed.