Highland area police briefs for Aug. 24-31 | Belleville News-Democrat

Editor’s note: The following incidents were listed among the official reports of local law enforcement agencies and court clerks. Readers are reminded that an arrest or charge does not constitute a finding of guilt. Only a court of law can make that determination.

Student injured in lab explosion at SIUE

A student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville was injured in a small explosion Tuesday, Aug. 25 in a science lab.

According to university officials, a 23-year-old male student was working in a laboratory in the new science building on the main campus about 3 p.m. when a beaker containing tetrahydrofuran mixed with potassium exploded.

The student, whose identity was not released by officials, suffered cuts to both of his hands, along with chemical burns up to his elbows on both arms. He was treated by emergency medical personnel and transported to Anderson Hospital in Maryville.

The explosion caused a small fire, which was extinguished by the Edwardsville Fire Department.

University spokesman Doug McIlhagga said the damage to the laboratory was minimal. The building was evacuated, but was expected to reopen later Tuesday and will be available for Wednesday classes, he said.

Highland woman charged with felony theft

Highland police charged Bethany D. Partain, 35, of Highland with felony retail theft on Aug. 25 for allegedly taking bottle of perfume and a purse from Walmart on Aug. 18. The charged was enhanced to a felony because it was her second offense. She had a prior retail theft conviction.

HPD misdemeanor warrant arrests

▪ A juvenile, 16, of Highland was arrested on Aug. 25 by HPD on two warrants. One warrant was from Madison County for possession of stolen property, and the other was from St. Clair County for failure to appear in court on an obstruction of justice charge.

HPD misdemeanor citations, tickets

Aug. 24

▪ Leslie J. Hupp, 36, of New Baden was charged with theft under $500 for allegedly taking six clothing items from Walmart.

▪ Two juveniles, one 13 and the other 14 years old, both from Highland were charged with criminal trespass to land for allegedly being at the Square after having previously been told to leave the area.

Aug. 25

▪ No tickets issued.

Aug. 26

▪ Rosemary M. Gates, 64, of Highland was charged with speeding.

Aug. 27

▪ No tickets issued.

Aug. 28

▪ Jacob D. Luna, 27, was charged with theft for allegedly taking sunglasses and shoes from Walmart. He was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of cannabis.

Aug. 29

▪ Nicholas L. Meskil of Highland was charged with battery for allegedly punching another person in the face.

Aug. 30-31

▪ No tickets issued.