A Van Meter man was arrested Saturday night after a fire broke out in his marijuana-growing operation in Van Meter.
Ryan David Chrisinger, 42, of 808 Elm St., Van Meter, was charged with a controlled substance violation.
The incident began shortly after 8 p.m. in the 800 block of Elm Street in Van Meter, where multiple agencies responded to a report of a structure fire.
According to court records, officers of the Van Meter Police Department “observed a marijuana-growing operation” in Chrisinger’s “detached garage, which had a bale of burning marijuana in it upon arrival.”
A search of the premises disclosed “marijuana plants, growing supplies and equipment along with other items,” according to court records.
Chrisinger is held in the Dallas County Jail in advance of an initial appearance in Dallas County District Court.
Chrisinger was convicted of possession of a controlled substance in 1996 in Polk County District Court. He was convicted of possession of a controlled substance in 2002 in Polk County District Court.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is innocent until and unless proven guilty.
