MORONGO VALLEY MAN HELD AFTER STOLEN CAR FOUND

A Morongo Valley man was arrested Wednesday, accused of possessing a stolen vehicle. According to a Sheriff’s report, a probation officer went to a home in the 10800 block of West Drive about 2:30 for a probation compliance check on Roger Peterson, 53. The probation officer determined that a Ford Explorer parked in the driveway had been reported stolen in Desert Hot Springs, which was confirmed by a deputy. Peterson told the deputy that a friend gave him the Explorer in December, which he said was not operable when he received it. He said he had it towed to his home and has been working on it ever since. Roger Peterson was arrested for investigation of possession of a stolen vehicle and on a misdemeanor warrant, booked into the Morongo Basin Jail, with his bail set at $75,000. The deputy was not able to locate the registered owner of the Explorer, and vehicle was towed.