Harnett County chase leads to meth lab bust

Donald Chapman, 29, of 632 Chinaberry Lane in Angier, was arrested and charged with false imprisonment and assault on a female. He remained in the Harnett County jail Sunday under no bond.

Brittany Strickland, 25, of 632 Chinaberry Lane in Angier, was arrested and charged with manufacturing methamphetamine. She remained in the Harnett County jail Sunday under a $60,000 bond.

Andrew Strickland, 29, of 632 Chinaberry Lane in Angier, was arrested and charged with possessing drug paraphernalia. His bond information was not immediately available.

Authorities said they began chasing Chapman and Brittany Strickland at around 5 a.m. It's unclear why authorities were trying to stop them. The man and woman dumped the car and ran on foot, officials said.

Authorities found them at a home on Chinaberry Lane and arrested them. While searching the house, investigators found a meth lab and three young children. Authorities said they believe the man and woman had left the children home alone.

It was unclear whether the Angier Police Department or the Harnett County Sheriff's Office initiated the pursuit. Both agencies did not return calls seeking comment on Sunday.

It was also unclear Sunday whether the children were placed into the custody of relatives or social services.

Neighbors were surprised by the arrests.

"It kind of hurt because we are a tight community," said Bobby Green, who lives near the home. "But that just lets you know that you never know what's going on behind closed doors. And just to see that they had kids, that's what really got to me because their kids play with my kids."