The discovery of an active methamphetamine lab in a Palatka apartment Sunday night resulted in the partial evacuation of the complex and the arrest of two people, according to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.

After weeks of investigation, sheriff's deputies and Palatka police officers executed a search warrant at the College Arms Apartment on Husson Avenue just after 9 p.m.

Jimmy Barry Bryant Jr., 26, and his wife, Candance Evette Bryant, 26, were charged with manufacture of methamphetamine, aggravated child abuse, maintaining a drug dwelling, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Due to the hazardous nature of the chemicals in the manufacture of meth, the Palatka Fire Department and Putnam County Rescue were called to the scene and about 25 residents of the "I" building of the complex were evacuated.

Bryant and their three children, ages 3, 8, and 11, as well as five members of a family living in the next apartment, were decontaminated at the scene by the Fire Department. All 10 were then taken to the Putnam Community Medical Center and examined.

The Bryant children were then released to the Department of Children and Families, while the other family was examined and released.

Those evacuated stayed with family members and friends while the search was completed, then were allowed to return to their homes.

The Bryants remain in the Putnam County Jail under $8,516 bond pending their first appearance.