Police: Explosion leads to discovery of meth operation, Rockford man's arrest
A Rockford man faces multiple charges after police said he was manufacturing methamphetamine in his garage.
Stephen Maroda, 52, has been charged one count of manufacturing methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of meth precursors and one count of aggravated unlawful participation in meth production.
The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office said they were called along with Blackhawk Fire Feb. 20 to the 6900 block of Vesta Drive for an attached garage fire.
Authorities said the caller heard a loud boom and their house shook.
When officers arrived on scene, they found the garage door to be off the tracks and bowed outward.
Officers found Maroda inside the home suffering from burns to his face and body. Maroda was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries.
The Illinois State Fire Marshal investigated the incident and found the explosion was caused from production of methamphetamine inside the garage.
Authorities said items were found inside Maroda's garage consistent with a meth manufacturing operation.
Maroda was arrested Wednesday and taken to the Winnebago County Jail.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Police: Meth manufacturing operation leads to Rockford man's arrest
