Brooksville man accused of cooking meth

Deputies arrested a man on drug charges Saturday after receiving a tip he was manufacturing methamphetamine.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office responded shortly before 3 a.m. to 18266 Nicholas Ave., according to an arrest report.

The arresting deputy took a position by the rear door, peered inside and saw someone sitting on the couch holding a coffee filter, authorities said.

The deputy stated it "appeared that the person was sorting items inside the filter."

When other deputies tried to make contact by the front door, the suspect tried to flee out the backdoor, according to the report.

Matthew Wayne Oxendine, 40, of 22215 Croom Road in Brooksville, was arrested on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine or mixture, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The homeowner, whose name was not revealed in the report, granted permission for deputies to search the house.

A glass jar with meth residue was found in the sink and a soda bottle with a hose sticking out was discovered under the sink, deputies said.

The other three occupants of the home said Oxendine brought the items over to cook methamphetamine, according to the report. He was the only one charged.

Oxendine was transported to the Hernando County Jail. His bond was set at $20,500.