Man accused of operating mobile meth lab

Police arrested a man reportedly operating a meth lab out of his vehicle in the Evergreen K-mart parking lot early Monday morning.

Nicholas Wayne Gimbel, 29, is facing two felony charges of operating a clandestine laboratory and criminal possession of dangerous drugs after his arrest Jan. 29. Gimbel was reportedly on parole at the time of his arrest.

Police became suspicious of Gimbel’s vehicle when it was parked in front of the entrance to the K-Mart long after the store closed. According to court documents, K-mart employees had also requested extra patrol in the area.

A Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputy reportedly made contact with Gimbel at about 1:30 a.m. on Monday and saw a syringe. Another officer arriving on the scene to assist reported an entire methamphetamine lab located inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed items such as cold medicine, drain cleaner, fuel and a plastic bottle that appeared to be used as the main “cooking” vessel. Officers also found a bag of what was likely methamphetamine, according to court documents. The items were sent to the Montana State Crime Lab for more analysis.

Gimbel is scheduled to be arraigned in Flathead District Court on Feb. 15 in front of Judge Dan Wilson. The maximum jail time for operating a drug lab is 40 years.

Reporter Breeana Laughlin can be reached at 758-4441 or blaughlin@dailyinterlake.com.