2 held near suspected meth lab

Costa Mesa police arrested two people near a suspected methamphetamine lab in a residence on the 900 block of Joann Street on Wednesday, uncovering numerous pieces of equipment were used to manufacture and sell the drug, officers said.

Costa Mesa resident Norman Frederick Graham Jr., 47, was arrested after leading police on a short foot chase off the property, which ended when police tackled the man in Fairview Park, said Lt. Marty Carver.

He added that Graham was carrying an ounce of methamphetamine.

Sabrina Elizabeth Johnson, 36, of Costa Mesa, was also arrested at the scene.

Police said a 6-year-old child was also found at the scene, and it was taken into the custody of social services.

Both suspects were booked at Orange County Jail on suspicion of the sale and manufacture of methamphetamine, with the bail set at $250,000 apiece.

Paul Beckett, who lives near the alleged lab site, said he noticed a flurry of police activity the night of the incident, but that he and his wife decided to mind their own business.

“Of course, everyone is concerned, but we weren’t aware of any probable danger,” Beckett said. “You don’t want to see that happen to anybody — what can you say? People make mistakes.”

Police emphasized that the alleged lab was inactive, and that no hazard was posed to neighbors.

CHRIS CAESAR may be reached at (714) 966-4626 or at [email protected].