Two people were arrested Wednesday night in Demopolis after being allegedly found with a methamphetamine lab.

Carroll John Martin and Tia Star Nichols were arrested on multiple charges. DPD Chief Tommie Reese said an officer witnessed a “hand-to-hand transaction” at the Red Carpet Inn, and when he went to investigate, he found a meth lab in a backpack.

“Our officer was out on patrol and just ran up on it,” he said.

Martin was arrested and charged with first-degree manufacturing of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nichols was charged with second-degree manufacturing of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree possession of marijuana.

In addition to the Demopolis Police Department, the 17th Judicial Drug Task Force and the Demopolis Fire Department hazmat team were on the scene.

Task Force Commander Clint Sumlin said officers found a six-month-old baby in a car, along with some finished product. The child was turned over to DHR.

Sumlin said the lab was what’s called a one-pot cook, or “shake and bake.”

He added good patrol work by DPD officer Shane Bedsole made this case.

“It was really good patrol work by a rookie officer,” Sumlin said. “He saw something that didn’t look right, and he went after it.”