Michigan State University police have arrested a 31-year-old man after an investigation into suspicious chemicals led to the evacuation of Wells Hall, the university’s largest academic building, during finals week.
According to MSU officials, the incident began early Monday when students and staff were alerted to evacuate Wells Hall because of an “unidentified chemical.” Police later confirmed they were responding to a trespassing complaint from the night before, which led officers to a man identified as Xin Tong on the fifth floor carrying multiple bags.
After securing a search warrant, investigators discovered containers filled with various chemicals, including sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, methanol, acetone, and butane. Authorities say the substances—while legally obtainable—can be used in the illegal production of methamphetamine.
Prosecutors have charged Tong with felony malicious destruction of a building and operating or maintaining a meth lab. He was arraigned Wednesday and remains in the Ingham County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
