Michigan State University closes Wells Hall for week after arrest of man with meth-making chemicals

Key facts

• Xin Tong, 31, arrested inside Wells Hall on April 27.
• Police found chemicals including acid and butane, used in methamphetamine production.
• No meth lab was located; building closed through May 1.
• Tong charged with operating a meth lab and malicious destruction of a building.
• Property damage estimated at more than $20,000.
• Bond set at $500,000; held at Ingham County Jail.
• Wells Hall is the largest academic building on campus, housing math, English, and language departments.

Arrest and initial charges

A 31-year-old man is in custody after police say he possessed chemicals and equipment that could be used to produce methamphetamine inside a Michigan State University building. Xin Tong was arrested Sunday, April 27, after officers found him inside Wells Hall. Prosecutors have charged Tong with operating a meth lab and malicious destruction of a building. Tong was arraigned late Wednesday afternoon and is currently being held at the Ingham County Jail. His bond is set at $500,000. The felony malicious destruction charge stems from allegations that between April 10 and April 26, Tong intentionally damaged or destroyed property within Wells Hall.

Chemicals found and damage estimate

Investigators say Tong had several chemicals with him, including acid and butane, which can be legally purchased in stores or online. The chemicals caused more than $20,000 in property damage to the building, according to police. However, during the investigation, MSU Police did not locate a methamphetamine laboratory inside Wells Hall, the department clarified Thursday. “We do not believe that there is any threat to the community at this point,” said Chris Rozman, deputy chief of the staff services division for MSU Police and Public Safety, on Monday. He stressed that the response was “out of an overabundance of caution.”

Building closure reversed and extended

MSU initially closed Wells Hall on Monday, saying it would reopen for exams on Tuesday. But by Tuesday morning, officials reversed course and announced the building would remain closed for the entire week, through May 1. The closure comes during the university’s final exams week. “Additional info was received early this morning suggesting further evaluation of the building is needed,” the university posted on X. “There continues to be no known threat to the campus community.” Students with exams scheduled in Wells Hall were told they would receive emails about alternative plans.

Police presence and investigation

A police presence remained around Wells Hall into early Monday afternoon. The Lansing State Journal observed six police cars parked outside, with officers congregating in a small hallway connecting two wings of the building. Most cars later left, leaving one near the southwest entrance. University spokesperson Amber McCann said the building was closed “out of an abundance of caution.” Officials have not disclosed the specific type of chemical found or the reasoning behind the extended closure. It remains unclear whether a broader criminal investigation is underway.

Wells Hall: a central campus landmark

Wells Hall is the largest academic building on Michigan State University’s campus, located at 619 Red Cedar Road, east of Spartan Stadium. The building has four wings and houses the departments of mathematics, English, and all languages. The Hannah Administration Building sits just north, across the Red Cedar River. The closure of such a central facility during exam week has disrupted students and faculty, though the university has emphasized that safety is the priority. Officials say they will continue to update the community as the investigation progresses.

Open questions and next steps

Several questions remain unanswered. Authorities have not specified what form the chemicals were in or how Tong gained access to the building. The university has not said whether any other individuals may be involved. Tong’s next court appearance has not been announced. MSU Police and Public Safety have stated they will provide further updates as the investigation moves forward. The building is expected to remain closed at least through Friday, May 1, while officials complete their evaluation and ensure it is safe for reoccupation.

The bottom line

• Xin Tong is charged with operating a meth lab and malicious destruction after chemicals were found in Wells Hall.
• No meth lab was discovered, but chemicals capable of producing methamphetamine were present.
• Property damage exceeds $20,000; bond set at $500,000.
• Wells Hall closed for the entire week during final exams, disrupting students.
• Police say there is no ongoing threat to the campus community.
• The investigation is ongoing, with further updates expected from MSU Police.