Alabaster police officers responding to a call of suspected shoplifting at the Colonial Promenade ended up finding a rolling meth lab in the Walmart parking lot.

Three suspects, including two from Chilton County, have been arrested and charged with various drug related crimes.

Alabaster police officers were dispatched to Walmart on Monday for a suspected shoplifter. Officers found three people in a car that matched the description given by an employee.

During their investigation, officers discovered what they believed to be an active “one-pot” methamphetamine lab, according to a press release from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. At that point, the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force responded to help with the case.

The following three individuals were arrested:

•Ricky William Easterling, 34, from Verbena, was charged with unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance and trafficking in methamphetamine.

•Christopher Wayne Headley, 33, from Clanton, was charged with unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance and trafficking in methamphetamine.

•Penny October Chandler, 31, from Prattville, was charged with unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance, trafficking in methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

As of Thursday morning, all three were in the Shelby County Jail on bonds totaling $1.6 million apiece.

Lt. Chris George, commander of the drug task force, was quick to credit the employee with helping officers make the arrests.

“Thanks to an alert employee at Walmart and quick action by the Alabaster Police Department a dangerous situation was contained and those responsible were arrested,” said George.