By: Laura Headlee, Producer By: Stoney Sharp, Reporter WBIR

An attempt by Wal-Mart employees in Lenoir City to stop a shoplifter leads police to a mobile meth lab.

Sunday afternoon authorities in Loudon County were called to the Wal-Mart off Highway 321 in Lenoir City.

A Roane County woman attempted to steal a belt from the store. A security guard apprehended the suspect and, according to that guard, found needles and pills in the suspect's pockets. The Lenoir City police department was called to the scene.

While police questioned the woman, the store security guard looked for the suspect's vehicle in the parking lot. He then led authorities to the vehicle, where they discovered a mobile meth lab.

Retha Ward was arrested on felony meth charges.

Her passengers, Jason Green and James Arrowood also face felony meth charges.

All three are from Roane County and are wanted in that county on felony warrants.

LOUDON COUNTY (WVLT) -- Investigators have discovered a mobile meth lab in a Loudon County parking lot.

HAZMAT crews along with members of the the Loudon County Sheriff's Office, Lenoir City Police Department and Lenoir City Fire Department remained on the scene Sunday evening, which was located in the parking lot of Lenoir City's Wal-Mart.

According to authorities, two men and a woman in their 20's and 30's were taken into custody and are being held inside the Loudon County Jail.

Reports from the scene indicate teams in decontamination suits were working to clean the lab and area around it.

We will bring you much more on Volunteer TV News at 11:00.
 

All three are now facing felony drug charges.