Gray County Sheriff’s Office investigation reveals chemicals inside duplex

Just after 10:15 a.m. Monday, members of the Gray County Sheriff’s Office served a residential search warrant for narcotics and electronic devices dealing with drug transactions and sales on Sunflower Street in Cimarron.

The suspect, 34-year-old Stuart Schulz, was already in custody on related charges of driving while suspended and possession of drug and drug paraphernalia charges from a traffic stop on Saturday, May 9.

During the initial search, a small number of drugs were located along with drug paraphernalia. A large amount of labeled and unlabeled chemicals were in the basement of the duplex apartment. A resident of the duplex apartment was removed from the apartment for their safety and was transported to St. Catherine Hospital in Dodge City for a medical screen and evaluation.

The City of Cimarron Fire Chief was called to assist with the chemical aspect of this warrant service, and the Chief and deputies soon made an exit of the duplex. A command call was made for a Hazardous Material Team from Ford County Fire and Rescue to respond to assess and assist.

The Hazmat Team arrived on scene and did an inner and outer search for hazards and determined that a perimeter needed to be established and maintained outside the original crime scene. Residents in the are who were at their apartments were evacuated and those who came home later were also evacuated.

Agents from the KBI, Kansas State Fire Marshall’s Office, as well as members of the Kansas Highway Patrol Special Response Team arrived throughout the day to assist with the investigation.

Upon an initial search by the KHP special response team, chemicals mixed with other chemicals could produce explosives were found in the basement of the apartment.

Operations continued on Tuesday, chemical tests and samples were taken for criminal investigation.

The investigation is still ongoing with evidence still to be evaluated, and prosecution to be determined by the Gray County Attorney’s Office, according to the release from Gray County Sheriff Jeffery G. Sharp.