A Kunkletown man was charged with operating a meth lab after troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police Lehighton barracks investigated a complaint about an unattended 5-year-old running in the roadway on Lower Middle Creek Road on Sept. 24.

Troopers arrived at the scene at 3:14 p.m. and went to the child’s home, which was located on the second floor of a residence.A sliding-glass door off the second floor deck was open and troopers could see three additional children and an adult male in the living room. The adult, identified as William Donald Knibbs, 39, was attempting to hide something, which turned out to be a foil packet.Knibbs appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance, as he was overly animated and could not sit still. He admitted to smoking methamphetamine “a few days ago.”A minimal review of the premises turned up a metal box containing foil, as well as foil packets on the bed and dressers, all in plain sight.The residence appeared to be in poor condition, with spilled food and garbage scattered on the floors and counters. Knibbs consented to having the home searched.The Pennsylvania State Police Clandestine Laboratory Response Team was notified after a preliminary search of the bedroom uncovered aluminum foil, a funnel, an open lithium battery, Claritin, cold packs, rubber gloves, lighter fluid, drain cleaner, firecrackers, salt, a 20-ounce soda bottle containing an unknown liquid, a hair dryer and a glass dish with residue.The CART team also found numerous plastic soda bottles with unknown substances, lithium battery remnants, empty pseudoephedrine blister packs, cold compress packaging and a number of chemical substances.Knibbs was charged with manufacture of a methamphetamine with children present, possession of ephedrine, possession with intent to deliver, possession of red phosphorous, operating a methamphetamine lab, improper disposal of chemical waste, risking a catastrophe, child endangerment, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and reckless endangerment.He was arraigned before duty Monroe County District Judge Anthony Fluegel, who set bail at $50,000 straight.Unable to post bond, he was committed to the Monroe County Correctional Facility in Snydersville.A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Oct. 3 before District Judge JoLana Krawitz.