Mason City men caught with large quantity of meth, loaded handgun

MASON CITY – A traffic stop led to the arrest of two men Monday evening in Mason City after they were caught with a large quantity of meth and a loaded handgun.

On Monday, January 23, 2017, at about 7:13 PM, a Cerro Gordo County sheriff’s deputy attempted a traffic stop of a black 2005 Chevy Tahoe in the area of the 2100 block of South Taft Avenue. The Tahoe sped away and attempted to elude the deputy. The deputy pursued the Tahoe North on Taft, east onto 15th Street SW, South on South Benjamin, West on 21st Street SW, until the Tahoe left the roadway on South McKinley Ave. The Tahoe became stuck in a snow bank and two occupants were arrested without further incident.

During the investigation, a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, cash, and drug paraphernalia were all found.

The following are the subjects arrested and their charges:

Bradley Loren Fransen, 39, of Mason City -Possession with intent to deliver meth, a Class B Felony -Tax Stamp violation, a Class D Felony -Possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor -Eluding, a Class D Felony -Driving Under Suspension, a simple misdemeanor -Carrying a Dangerous Weapon, a Class D Felony -Possession of a Firearm as a Felon, a Class D Felony

Arone Joseph Goretska, 41, of Mason City -3rd Offense Possession of Meth, a Class D Felony
Both subjects were transported to the Cerro Gordo County Jail. Goretska is being held on $2,000 bond. Fransen is being held on $100,000 bond.

Further charges are pending.