An Austin man is in jail after police arrested him for drug-related charges near Neveln Elementary School Saturday night.

Joseph Carl Dama, 23, of Austin, was arrested after officers noticed a suspicious looking red Plymouth Neon at the 100 block of 19th Street NE at around 11:45 p.m. Saturday.

Police Chief Brian Krueger said officers arrested Dama, a passenger in the car and cited a 16-year-old female, who was driving the Neon, after they watched someone approach the vehicle.

Dama could face charges of fifth degree controlled substance, intent to distributed in a school zone, obstructing the legal process, and an open bottle violation.

The 16-year-old was cited for possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released to her parents.

Dama has a Freeborn County warrant for his arrest on failure to appear charges related to a felony vehicle theft charge.

The case has been forwarded to the Mower County Attorney’s office.