A Somerset County man is behind bars after police said they discovered a meth lab running out of his Somerset Borough apartment.

The apartment where the operation was found is not only surrounded by houses, it sits just across the street from a nursing home and less than 200 yards from the Somerset County School District -- significant because because officials said the chemicals involved can pose serious hazards to those nearby.

"You don't expect it in Somerset," said Laura Thomas, who lives next door to the apartment.

Neighbors said they were shocked after police busted the meth lab Monday afternoon.

"I didn't know, I mean, look how close I am," said Thomas. "I didn't know (what was going on). I had to ask because I didn't know."

But police said their investigation started Monday morning at the Somerset Walmart where they arrested Justin Carr for suspected criminal mischief. Court documents said police found several laptops and cellphones, a large of amount cash and drug paraphernalia in his possession, including 21 oxycodone pills they said he tried to swallow.

"I would say that it was lucky but I don't think luck had anything to do with it," said Hannah Myers, assistant district attorney for Somerset County. "Due to their excellent training and diligence (police) were able to pick up on the signs of a meth lab he was running out of his house."

Police said Carr's girlfriend, Samantha McKenzie, gave police consent to search his South Vincent Street apartment.

"They observed all the chemicals, I believe, readily available to do this," said Myers. "It's my understanding from at this point that Mr. Carr was using the one-pot cooking method so it was an up-and-running meth lab."

With the help of the state police clandestine lab unit, authorities were able to quickly and safely dissemble the operation.

"It could have been a serious situation," said Myers. "It could have been a dangerous situation."

Carr is behind bars Tuesday on $100,000 bond. McKenzie has been released.