A complaint of a chemical smell at the Skyline Apartments in Niles late last month led to the arrest and arraignment of four people on meth-related charges.

According to the Niles Police Department, officers responded to the complaint at 10:47 a.m. Feb. 24 at the apartment complex, located at 518 S. Third St.

Upon arriving, officers identified the apartment from which the smell was coming and knocked on the door. They were met by 62-year-old Niles resident Michael Linley, who allowed officers inside.

Once inside the apartment, officers located Linda Sharrer, 57, of Niles, Sandra Sharrer, 34, of Niles and Thomas Holycross, 45, of South Bend, Ind., in a bedroom.

Police learned that Linley and Linda Sharrer were renting the apartment, while allowing Linda Sharrer’s daughter, Sandra Sharrer, to live with them. Linda Sharrer is reportedly dating Holycross.

Officers immediately recognized components for the manufacturing of methamphetamine on a coffee table and kitchen table in the apartment. A search of the residence revealed additional components for the manufacturing of methamphetamine as well as a small amount of processed methamphetamine, marijuana and smoking paraphernalia.

In a closet inside the apartment, officers located an active “one pot” meth lab. All hazardous material was collected and removed from the apartment.

Holycross, Linley, Linda Sharrer and Sandra Sharrer were arrested and transported to the Niles Law Enforcement Complex where they were lodged in lieu of bond. Holycross was also found to be wanted in Cass County on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.

All four were arraigned in Niles Trial Court on Feb. 25 on the following charges:

• Holycross — Delivery/manufacture meth (20 year felony), operating a lab involving meth (20 year felony) and possession of a controlled substance (10 year felony)

• Linley — Maintaining a lab involving meth (20 year felony), possession of meth (10 year felony), maintaining a drug house (2 year misdemeanor), possession of marijuana (1 year misdemeanor)

• Linda Sharrer — Maintaining a lab involving meth (20 year felony), possession of meth (10 year felony), maintaining a drug house (2 year misdemeanor), possession of marijuana (1 year misdemeanor)

• Sandra Sharrer — Possession of meth (10 year felony), possession of marijuana (1 year misdemeanor)

Holycross, Linley and Linda Sharrer are all being held on $10,000 bond, while Sandra Sharrer is being held on $5,000 bond.