An Alden man charged in connection with a short vehicle chase last month that ended near Halverson Elementary School and reportedly netted methamphetamine and items related to a burglary pleaded not guilty Thursday in Freeborn County District Court.

Peter Alan Woollard, 38, is charged with third-degree meth possession in a school zone and misdemeanor obstructing arrest or the legal process.

Court documents state Woollard and Jabar Pedro Morarend, 45, of Albert Lea were charged after a sergeant was informed that Morarend — a level 3 predatory offender — was driving a black van with a revoked license on April 13. After a short pursuit, the vehicle reportedly parked at 1606 Frank Hall Drive — Morarend’s reported address. The pursuit lasted a half-mile.

A preliminary search of the vehicle reportedly netted numerous burglary tools and pieces of jewelry that could have matched items from an Iowa burglary.

Woollard allegedly had two knives in his possession, and two large rocks identified as meth were reportedly found inside an open cigarette pack. He was reportedly placed into custody within 250 feet of Halverson, and the pursuit was approximately 40 feet from the school.

Third-degree meth possession in a school zone carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Morarend is charged with fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle in connection with the incident.