Police: Suspect dumped meth acid on officer during chase

Tools

Gary Miller Warsaw meth

Gary Miller (Photo provided)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Oct 14, 2008 at 7:26 AM EST

Story Updated: Oct 14, 2008 at 7:46 AM EST

WARSAW — A police officer was burned when a suspect dumped acid from a methamphetamine lab on him during a confrontation Monday evening.

The Kosciusko County Drug Task Force received information that 52-year-old Gary Miller of Warsaw was walking down Lake Street with a portable meth lab.

An undercover officer confronted Miller at the intersection of Lake and Washington streets. Miller ran from the officer, and the officer chased and then tackled him.

Miller turned and dumped acid used in methamphetamine production on the officer, according to police, and then fled the scene.

Officers and K-9 units searched the area but lost track of Miller.

The undercover officer was treated at the scene by EMS and released.

Miller returned to his home later that evening, according to police, and was captured by a K-9 unit in a nearby alley.

He was arrested on preliminary charges of dealing methamphetamine, battery on a law enforcement officer, and resisting/fleeing law enforcement.

Miller is currently being held on a $10,000 bond at the Kosciusko County Jail.

4:47 PM recovering addict wrote ...

me too glad officer is ok! it just shows how LOW drugs can take you! Its never too late to recover if you are above ground. Inew & loved gary as a friend many yrs. ago.Ilet our friendship go after drugs took over.He is in my prayers& Ihope he finds God,Recovery & peace within himself!!

Tuesday, Nov 11 at 7:50 PM ANONYMOUS wrote ...

I HAVE A NEPHEW GOING THROUGH THE SAME STUFF BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE GARY WALKING AROUND ON THE STREETS ALL IT TAKES IS ONE TIME FOR THE ONES THAT KNOW NOTHING ABOUT METH .I SAY PUT THEM AWAY FOR GOOD BECAUSE AFTER BEING IN PRISON FOR MANY YEARS BECAUSE OF THE SAME THING AND DIDNT LEARN HE NEVER WILL ,I WANT MY NEPHEW TO GO TO PRISON BEFORE HE DIE,S OR KILLS SOMEONE BECAUSE OF THIS STUFF ,WHY IS THE LAW GOING SO EASY ON THESE KINDS OF FELONIES,.GET THEM ALL OFF THE STREETS PLEASE,

Monday, Nov 10 at 2:44 PM TANYA wrote ...

I ONCE NEW THIS MAN CALLED GARY MILLER.UNTIL DRUGS TOOK OVER HIS LIFE AND MIND.LIKE SAID BEFORE LOCK HIM AWAY FOR GOOD THIS TIME. HE KEEPS GETTING OUT OF EVERYTHING, WITH SUCH LITTLE TIME SURVED.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 2:52 PM Stronger Laws Needed wrote ...

We need stronger laws and consequences for these people. There should be a no tolerance law in effect for anyone caught with a meth lab. None of these should ever be plea bargained. We need to take a stand, not as an individual state, but as the United States. A universal law that ties all states together. We stand up to this & won't put up w/ anymore. Have a meth lab - straight to prison you go...do not pass go...do not collect $200. You are simply - done! We are too lient!!!

Thursday, Oct 16 at 9:47 AM Anon wrote ...

He deserved a bullet for that!

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 8:00 PM here we go again wrote ...

Let Indiana adopt the three strikes your out rule like California! That way we never have to look at him again. I think that Alcatraz should be used to put these idiots in and let them fend for themselves. Don't feed them...they eat each other eventually

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 3:41 PM Dave Goshen wrote ...

Since the man is obviously troubled, and not in the mood for help. Why doesn't the next judge take him off the street, for his own good, and lock him up untill he doesn't remember what drugs are. Or let him back out, until some police officer kills him, defending himself, from just one more reason, a judge can't sentence a case correctly.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 2:10 PM shoppy wrote ...

If this person has a previous criminal record why is he on the street? Name ther judge......

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 1:07 PM sideline psychotic wrote ...

this man needs behind bars. if this happened in starke starving county... he would've been tasered and sent right to jail. no questions asked. these meth labs are gettin' out control

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 9:52 AM HEY LINDA LOU wrote ...

SORRY YOUR DEALER IS OUT OF COMMISSION. YOU SOUND PRETTY UPSET ABOUT IT.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 7:20 AM Charles Manson Caught Again? wrote ...

This is not the first time this man has tried to run from the law. If you have been watching the news for the last eight years you would be well aware that this man is a habitual criminal. He always seems to find jailhouse religion, gets on the good side and BS his way out!(this is called your tax dollar HARD AT WORK)In 2000 he was put in jail for raping a juvenile and guess what,he had a good attorney that got him off pending new evidence.These are only afew things this man has gotten off on

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 7:05 AM bee wrote ...

to 10:11AM: your exactly right.and to 1:18PM J:im really glad you quit keep it up.ive been there done that too.its been 3yrs.for me.keep it up!dont you feel so much better.yes people are sick when they do this but when theyre manufacturing an selling it,they make other people sick as well.they need to be stopped.i know i dont want my kids feeling what i did.do you?H.E.M.P.(HELP ERADICATE METH PLEASE)ireally like that one much better than Help Eradicate Marijuana Plants..thats a losing battle.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 6:50 AM Anonymous wrote ...

You messed up again uncle gary.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 12:14 AM linda lou wrote ...

i wonder how the undercover officer concluded the pop bottle was a meth lab... did the officer take the ”portable meth lab” and have it tested, or was this just an assumption??? regardless, it could not have been tested before this man was tackled. So why did the officer assume it was a meth lab? and why was it an undercover that got this tip? how do you get undercover officers phone numbers. one more thing, why didn't the officer have backup on such a big assumpt

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 8:59 PM curious wrote ...

Is this the man who had the meth lab at Tascas and set the place on fire?

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 8:06 PM dazed and confused wrote ...

Another lost soul who needs to get Jesus into his life and quick. Man needs prayer, counseling and professional help.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 7:59 PM FireWalker wrote ...

Hmm, a portable meth lab - is this the new way of flashing someone - having a methlab under a long coat? How does one walk with a meth lab?

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 7:57 PM Larry wrote ...

Troy..you sir are an ingrate and are a strong indication on what is wrong with society today. I have no problem saying you are a moron and a plague on society. Get off your mommy's computer and get a job like the rest of us.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 7:46 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

When I was a kid a guy on a three wheel bicycle rode up and down the streets and rang a bell so we knew that the Popsicle man was coming! Local farmers would load up pick up trucks with fresh picked sweet corn and drive real slow down the streets yelling, "SWEET CORN!" Some would bang their fist on the door of their trucks, others had bells. I doubt if this guy would have done a good business in our neighborhood. We were poor but very proud. We didn't buy from anyone who didn't have a shirt on!

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 7:04 PM Randall From Texas wrote ...

Another reason while I respect officers I wouldn't want their job. If he would've done that to me I would probably had shot him when I caught him.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 6:28 PM Troy wrote ...

Good thing for Mr. Miller that the South Bend cops didn't catch and shoot him first.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 5:08 PM Betty wrote ...

Dont dump on nobody chemicals that may deformed the face of any other organs. It is agains the law to do this. Realize that if you are doing drugs and giving to othes ussually teenagers then you will suffer the consequences of your actions. Do unto others as you would like to do unto you. Have you read your Bible and have you ever went of sunday to school. The first thing they teach you is to love your neighbor as yourself. Throwing chemicals on someones face is not loving your neighbor Is it?

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 4:53 PM Treb wrote ...

Looks like an older Joe Pesci on meth. Put him to work on a prison work farm. Joe public can't afford to support scumbags no more.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 4:35 PM Johnnie Marsh wrote ...

I know that addicts can act so weird. But who told them to start doing meth in the first place? How much money do they make when they produce this poison? Beware of them that poison others they themselves will be burned. Of course the devil is there making them do whatever they are doing in detriment to their health and those who surround them. My prayer for them is that they should go to recovery programs and start cleaning up their ways and their health will improve to the better of themselves

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 3:38 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Why would this mans charges be manufacturing meth NOT dealing?

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 3:02 PM DLC wrote ...

I've never understood how people so easily feel sorry for the bad guys and think the police officer should have done things diffferently. The police basically are trying to protect the rest of us!

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 2:06 PM roscoe wrote ...

im sure excessive force was used!!

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 2:06 PM SS wrote ...

I am glad the officer is ok and meth is bad. But come on people, the officer tackled the guy. I think it is much more likely that the acid got spilled during the scuffle. How was he tackled to the ground, then turn and throw it on the officer? Just think about it. The police very often throw the worst charges that they can at offenders. Does anyone have reputable knowledge of how many "assault on a P.O" charges are dismissed every year?

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 1:15 PM amy wrote ...

there is enough information about the effects of drug use that no one should feel sorry for an "addict" if you don't use drugs you don't become addicted. common sense people use your brain, don't fry it.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 12:48 PM Anonymous wrote ...

sorry, that is "do not make the difference". Have to type fast during a work day.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 12:47 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Well, it's not the future, yet. That means violence hasn't been outlawed. We still think violence is pretty neat. So, waddya expect. Bad people are not taken off the play ground in our world. We still live in primitive times. 300 years from now, they will call us "primitives". Toys with integrated circuits doesn't make the difference.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 12:18 PM j wrote ...

dont pass judgement til u have walked in a meth addicts shoes. Yes this is a terrible thing to happen to an officer or anybody but its easy to pass judgement when you have never been involved with meth. Ive been there and it HELL! Its the worst way to live your life but when in the grips of meth or the devil you make bad choices cause ur sick with addiction. Its easy being on the outside saying these things but u people just dont understand. These people are sick. Ive been clean 22 months.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 11:58 AM KF wrote ...

As the parent of a police officer, my ONLY thoughts are of the officer and his well being. I say, force feed the meth to this IDIOT and let him choke on it. That way MY, and YOUR, tax dollars are not supporting him in jail!

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 11:18 AM Becky wrote ...

I agree that there is nothing comical about it. As an Emergency Medical Technician, my life and others lives who are an Emergency Response person, is in jeopardy everyday from like this. I think everyone should try to find out more and learn what we are up against with these meth labs. So glad the officer didn't get hurt worse.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 11:15 AM Kathy wrote ...

I know who this person is unfortunately. He was raised better than that. He is an idiot and I don't think he will ever change! He has been in jail a lot. His brain must be mush by now to be walking around with it like that. It is a SAD waste of human life!! I'm so glad the officer is o.k.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 11:14 AM Yes its true wrote ...

20oz bottles ar now the new "lab". Not funny..

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 11:12 AM RE: Fallguy wrote ...

UUUMMMM???? pretty sure no one here made mention that an officer getting acid poured on him was funny???? Glad you took it upon yourself to starighten out everone here though, now we know that humorous observations are strictly prohibited and we will all try to be pretentious and up tight from now on. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts...and portable 20oz. meth labs named George

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 10:33 AM Fallguy wrote ...

There is nothing funny about Assult on a Police Officer. Meth can now be "cooked" in a 20oz Pop Bottle. It's so protable it can fit in "cargo" pants and carried on a school bus Try getting 20 oz of acid dumped on you and see how funny it is!

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 10:33 AM renee wrote ...

these people will do anything to get there drug they aren't thinking rationaling. But i can't imagine walking around with a meth lab. glad the officer is okay.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 10:32 AM Jac wrote ...

Glad the officer is okay. Let's hope the guy gets a really long sentence for the additional assault. I would love to be sitting on that jury.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 10:30 AM M wrote ...

When you inhale the fumes from making meth or take the meth yourself, it effects the brain, and this guy just proved that. I'm glad the cop will be okay.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 10:08 AM Jen wrote ...

Glad to hear the officer is ok, and that this "scumbag" (perfect word Linda lol) was caught! What an idiot. Why would you go back home anyway? Duh durr duh durrrrrr :)

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 10:02 AM JOE wrote ...

always agood idea to go home they will never find you there

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 9:29 AM Joel wrote ...

Now dump acid on him. I'm so sick of these pieces of human debris.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 9:28 AM jeff wrote ...

you dont have to come to me i will come to you and make it fresh on the spot what a looser lock him up and flush the key

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 9:25 AM JENNY wrote ...

That has to be thee most comical comment I have ever read on here! Lol, I agree with you, what is a portable meth lab, and what the heck was this man doing walking around with it??? Oh my gosh! Thanks for the laughs!

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 9:11 AM Anonymous wrote ...

What an idiot. That just show how bad meth can screw you up.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 8:52 AM Linda wrote ...

What a TOTAL loser and scumbag. Glad the officer is okay. It could have been so much worse.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 8:44 AM Carolyn wrote ...

Not the best decision.

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 8:02 AM UUUMMMM???? wrote ...

Walking around with a meth lab? I have no idea what the make up of a "lab" is but I would think it would be kinda cumbersom to be walking around with??? To think this guy made a rational thought " I think I will take my meth lab out for a walk" WOW GOOD ONE!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WSBT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
Countdown to Digital TV:

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 26
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Wheel of Fortune
7.30
Jeopardy!
8.00
Big Bang Theory
8.30
How I Met Your Mother
9.00
Two and a Half Men
9.30
Worst Week
10.00
CSI: Miami
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
Late Show with David Letterman

Question of The Day

Do you think Notre Dame should keep Charlie Weis?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.

  • Yes
  • No