EAST LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – What started as a concerning unidentified chemical situation inside Michigan State University’s Wells Hall quickly unraveled into something far less mysterious – and far more illegal. Authorities now say the substance wasn’t some exotic hazard. It’s tied to an alleged meth operation.

The scare prompted evacuations and a heavy police response at the beginning of the week as officials treated the situation like a potential hazardous materials incident. According to a report from the State News, the investigation led to the arrest of a 31- year-old man named Xin Tong on Wednesday, April 29.

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The suspect is now facing serious felony charges, including operating a meth lab and causing significant damage to the building. He’s being held on a hefty bond of $500,000 as the legal process plays out.

It remains unclear whether Tong is a student or a faculty member. Due to privacy laws, Mike Yankowski, Chief of Police & Executive Director of Public Safety, declined to provide additional details.

Additionally, the State News reports that according to Ingham County Jail records, the Department of Homeland Security has placed a hold on Tong’s bond – typically a move reserved for individuals whose immigration status may be in question, suggesting he could be in the country unlawfully.