Sparta police blotter

Hit and run driver arrested for DWI and warrant
On Oct. 16 at approximately 6:40 pm, Cpl. Dan Elig was dispatched to the area of Rt 15 north for a report of an erratic driver. The vehicle was described as a white Lincoln Continental. Elig observed a vehicle pass him that matched the description. The vehicle could not maintain its lane and was straddling the broken lines separating the left and right lanes. Upon stopping the vehicle, Elig approached the driver side window to speak with the driver, 47 yearr old Selvin Rodriguez of Newton, NJ. Rodriguez identified himself as “Carlos” but, would not provide any identification. He stated that he did not have a driver’s license and never had one issued. While speaking with Rodriguez, Officer Elig noticed fresh front end damage to the vehicle. When asked about the damage, Rodriguez initially stated that he didn’t know what he hit and then stated he didn’t hit anything. It was later learned that Rodriguez had struck another vehicle on Rt. 15 and left the scene. Sgt. Pensado, Cpl. Smith and P.O. Herd arrived on scene to provide backup assistance for Field Sobriety Tests. After completion of the tests, Rodriguez was placed under arrest for DWI and transported to Sparta Police HQ for processing. Officer Elig observed the name Selvin Rodriguez show up on the cellphone Rodriguez was using. A check of the name, Selvin Rodriguez, revealed a $1,000 warrant issued by Morris County Park Police. Elig was able to confirm Rodriguez’s identity by matching up his tattoos with the Morris County arrest report. Rodriguez refused to submit to breath testing and used profanities when asked if he would take the tests. Rodriguez was charged with the following m.v. charges: DWI, Refusal to Submit to Testing, Driving While Suspended, Careless Driving, Fail to Produce Reg, Fail to Produce Ins, Open Container of Alcohol in M.V., Consumption of Alcohol in M.V., Unlicensed Driver, Obstructed View, Fail to Maintain Lane and Unsafe M.V. He was additionally charged by Cpl. Grauerholz for: Leaving The Scene Of an Accident, Fail To Report Accident, Tailgating and Fail To Keep Right on Hwy. Rodriguez was advised of a mandatory court appearance and turned over to the Morris County Park Police to be lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on the $1,000 warrant.
Distinct odor alerts officer
On Oct. 18 at approximately 0645 am, P.O. Steven Guido observed a vehicle that had a headlight and taillight not working. Upon stopping the vehicle and approaching the driver’s window, Guido detected the odor of raw marijuana emanating from within the vehicle. Guido radioed for backup assistance. Cpl. Rubino and Cpl. Schomp arrived on scene to provide assistance. Officer Guido asked the driver, 32 year old Timothy Thompson of Orange, NJ, if there was anything illegal in his vehicle. Thompson stated that he had just rolled a blunt (marijuana cigarette). A search of the vehicle revealed: (1) partially smoked blunt, (2) packs of cigars and (1) plastic bag containing (6) small ziplock bags containing marijuana. Thompson was placed under arrest and transported to Sparta Police HQ for processing. He was charged with the following m.v. and criminal offenses: Maintainance of Lamps, CDS in a MV, Poss. of Under 50 GR. of Marijuana and Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia. Thompson was advised of a mandatory court appearance and released without further incident.
Speeding reveals suspended driver, with weed
On Oct. 21 at approximately 10:45 am, P.O. Steven Guido observed a vehicle speeding, 78-55 mph zone. Upon stopping the vehicle and approaching the vehicle, he observed two males within the vehicle. While speaking with the driver, 25 year old Alexander Sandaire of Irvington, NJ, he detected the odor of marijuana emanating from within the vehicle. Guido radioed Dispatch and requested backup assistance. Cpl. Schomp, Cpl. Rubino and P.O. Finley arrived on scene. When asked about the odor of marijuana, Sandaire stated there was a half-smoked joint on the floor behind the front passenger seat. A search of the vehicle revealed (2) partially smoked marijuana cigarettes in the ashtray, (1) half-smoked joint on the floor and a Vaseline jar containing (2) small ziplock bags containing marijuana. When the driver and passenger were advised of what was found, Sandaire took ownership of all of the marijuana. Sandaire’s license was found to be suspended, but his passenger was allowed to drive the vehicle. Sandaire was placed under arrest and transported to Sparta Police HQ for processing. At HQ, Sandaire was charged with the following criminal and m.v. complaints: Poss. of Under 50 GR of Marijuana, Speeding, Driving While Suspended, Fail to Surrender Suspended License and Poss. of CDS in a MV. He was advised of a mandatory court date and released.