Officials charge second man in alleged meth fire

Local authorities have charged a second suspect in connection with the July 1 fire at Hunter’s Run Apartments, accusing the Baxter man of allegedly igniting the fire while manufacturing methamphetamine. Michael A. Johnson, 23, has been charged with first-degree arson, a Class B felony, according to a news release issued Wednesday by Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Drug Task Force. MINE Drug Task Force members assisted the Newton police and fire departments with the fire explosive investigation at an apartment in Building H of Hunter’s Run, located at 821 S. 13th Ave. E. According to the news release, officials found items consistent with meth making along with several items of drug paraphernalia at the scene of the fire. Officials said the m