Arrest made in alleged vehicle theft

WORTHINGTON ― A suspect is in custody on a number of charges, including alleged possession of a stolen vehicle.

A Worthington police officer initiated a traffic stop around 2 a.m. Wednesday and, while talking with the vehicle's occupants, learned that the car had been reported stolen from Sheldon, Iowa. When the officer asked about the vehicle, the driver and passenger reportedly claimed a friend was letting them borrow it so they could move from Sheldon to Ceylon.

Officers called the vehicle's registered owner, who said they did not know either occupant or the friend they had said lent them the car. The owner gave permission to search the vehicle, and the search revealed a bong that tested positive for methamphetamine, a pellet handgun, a set of brass knuckles and a glasses bag that contained multiple marijuana pipes.

Related: Arrest follows alleged car theft from Hy-Vee parking lot The accused reportedly said she felt guilty and returned the vehicle.
The vehicle's driver, Michael Wetherell, 27, of Paullina, Iowa, was arrested. A switchblade was also reportedly found on his person as he was patted down by police.

Wetherell was charged with receiving stolen property, a felony that carries a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. He also faces charges of gross misdemeanor fifth-degree controlled substance crime, misdemeanor possession of brass knuckles/switchblade and petty misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is being held in Nobles County Jail on bail set at $10,000 with conditions or $25,000 without.

The passenger was not charged with a crime.