An early morning traffic stop in rural Clare County turned into a multi-location search operation on Wednesday, after deputies say they uncovered two stolen all-terrain vehicles, several firearms and suspected methamphetamine tied to three Harrison men.
Deputies pulled over a camouflage 2025 Honda Rancher at about 3:23 a.m. on Fawn Circle near Deer Lake Road in Hayes Township. The ATV was being operated by 38-year-old David Arthur Prenger, with 36-year-old Ryan Michael Norton riding as a passenger, according to 9&10 News. Norton, who had several outstanding felony warrants in Clare County, tried to run but was quickly arrested, and a sergeant later located a bag of methamphetamine that deputies say belonged to Prenger during the stop.
Search warrants lead to more recoveries
A records check showed the Honda Rancher had been reported stolen out of Gladwin County, and deputies contacted Gladwin County authorities before securing search warrants for the homes of Norton and Prenger, according to the Gladwin County Sheriff's Office. The Clare County Sheriff's Office reported that investigators recovered property believed to have been taken during a Gladwin County breaking-and-entering and seized several firearms, including a rifle that had been reported stolen from New York. Deputies also found additional methamphetamine at Norton’s residence.
Third man arrested after warrant execution
Investigators then linked a second stolen ATV, a camouflage Yamaha Kodiak, to 37-year-old Mark Anthony Morgan and obtained a search warrant for Morgan’s home in Franklin Township. During that search, deputies say they found the Yamaha Kodiak and a rifle, and Morgan, a convicted felon, was taken into custody without incident. All three suspects were lodged in the Clare County Jail and arraigned in the 80th District Court, where new investigation charges and bond amounts were set, according to 9&10 News.
Investigation remains active
The Clare County Sheriff's Office says the investigation is ongoing and is asking anyone with information about the case to contact the department. For non-emergency contact details and general information about the agency, visit the Clare County Sheriff's Office.
