Police: Meth lab found in Delaware home causes evacuation, two arrests

Dixie Cunningham, 45, and Paul Winters, 39, were arrested for allegedly running a meth lab in their home. Credit: Delaware State Police

Delaware State Police arrested a Hartley couple Tuesday night after troopers allegedly discovered a methamphetamine lab in their home.

Members of the Delaware State Police Kent County Drug Unit and the Governor’s Task Force responded to the unit block of Minnie Pratt Lane to investigate suspected meth manufacturing, according to a release.

Arriving officers were met in the driveway by Dixie Cunningham, 45.

Troopers asked Cunningham if her boyfriend, Paul Winters, 39 – who had several outstanding warrants – was inside the residence.

Though police said Cunningham denied Winters was inside, officers searching the home found him hiding in a shower.

He was taken into custody after a brief struggle, according to authorities.

Investigators said the search also turned up an active one-pot meth lab, which caused them to evacuate the property until a hazmat team safely contained the volatile chemicals.

A juvenile inside the home was turned over to a family member, and both Winters and Cunningham were taken into custody.

Winters is charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, endangering the welfare of a child, resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is jailed at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in lieu of $7,750 cash bail.

Cunningham is charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, endangering the welfare of a child, hindering prosecution and possession of drug paraphernalia.She was released after posting $8,250 unsecured bail.