A man has been accused of possessing several items used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Clark McKey, 58, address unknown, was charged Feb. 11, 2011, with possession of a controlled-substance precursor and a controlled-substance violation.

According to a North Liberty police complaint, McKey was the passenger in a vehicle with the wrong license plates. When police officials attempted to contact the car, the driver fled on foot. Officers could allegedly see several items in plain view used to manufacture methamphetamine in a backpack, along with syringes.

The narcotics task force arrived on scene and allegedly located an active lab in the backpack. A state Division of Criminal Investigation analysis confirmed the presence of several precursors of methamphetamine, including lithium, ethyl ether, and pseudoephedrine, the complaint said.

According to the complaint, a witness was located who said McKey and the codefendent were manufacturing the drug in his driveway.

Possession of a controlled-substance precursor is a Class-D felony.

— by Jordyn Reiland