A local hiker became alarmed and called authorities Monday evening upon discovering a tub containing unknown substances along a hiking trail southeast of the Prairie Park Nature Center, 2730 Harper St. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical crews were dispatched to the area, which is about 300 yards from the Nature Center’s main building. According to Division Chief Rob Kort, a large plastic tub was found to contain several glass jars filled with an unknown substance.

Hazmat crews conducted tests, and the Olathe Bomb Squad was later called for assistance.

Another area resident, Jeanette Kekahbah, was running with a friend on a trail in the area about 9:30 p.m. when she said she heard some sort of explosion. Lawrence Police Sgt. Michael McLaren said the Olathe crews had detonated a briefcase found with the items as a precautionary measure, though it was determined the briefcase was not an explosive device.

McLaren said the chemicals and items found in the plastic tub were ingredients for a meth lab.

Kort says the hiker did the right thing by contacting authorities. He urged anyone who may find something that seems to be out of place to call authorities.