Authorities are searching for a high-risk predatory offender who is facing a felony charge in connection to a vehicle chase earlier this year in Albert Lea.

A warrant was issued June 30 for Jabar Pedro Morarend, 45, of Albert Lea, who was charged with fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle in April in connection with a short vehicle chase that ended near Halverson Elementary School. Methamphetamine and items related to a burglary were reportedly found. He reportedly failed to appear for his initial appearance on the charge in Freeborn County District Court.

Morarend is classified as a Level 3 offender — an offender with the highest risk of re-offending. He was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual contact in 1998 in Rice County after he raped an adult woman who was his neighbor. He did so using force, threats and a knife to gain compliance and entered her home without permission.

Albert Lea Police Department Deputy Director of Police J.D. Carlson said as of Friday morning there was no knowledge of Morarend possessing weapons.

Anyone with information concerning Morarend’s whereabouts is advised to contact dispatchers at 507-377-5200.