August 19

At approximately 4 p.m. Sparta Police responded to Valley National Bank, on Woodport Road for a report of a young male trying to cash a possible stolen check. Upon arrival officers observed a 1993 Honda occupied by a passenger identified as James Smith, 25, of Franklin, and the driver of the vehicle who was not involved in the offense. Alien Higgins IV, 18, of Hamburg, was apparently attempting to cash a check, which was stolen. Smith was charged with consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, throwing debris from a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property. Higgins-uttering was charged with possession of a stolen check. Both subjects were released pending a Sparta Municipal Court appearance. Sparta Police Sgt, Neil Spidaletto, Officer Robert Fraser and Officer Lewis Brown investigated the incident. August 23 At l:47 p.m. Officer Dave Pridham and Officer Kurt Morris responded to a motor vehicle accident at Stanhope Road and Woodport Road. Further investigation resulted in the arrest of Roxanne Lucek, 45, of Randolph for following too close, careless driving and driving while intoxicated, after it was discovered that she stuck the rear of a vehicle driven by Musall August, 69, of Wanaque. Lucek was later released. August 26 At 10:50 a.m. Officer Marc Rubino observed a vehicle fail to stop at a traffic signal at the intersection of routes 181 and 517. After stopping the vehicle, further investigation resulted in the arrest of the driver, John Depace, 31, of Highland Lakes. He has been charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, failing to stop for a traffic signal, failing to wear a seat belt, possession of a controlled and dangerous substance in a vehicle and possession of an open container of alcohol. He was later released. At 2:26 p.m. Officer Rob Fraser observed a car speeding on Route 15 north, After stopping the car further investigation resulted in the arrest of the driver, Lisa Maggio, 18, and Candice Zappile, 18, both of Sussex. They have been charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Maggio has also been charged with speeding and possession of a controlled and dangerous substance in a vehicle. They were later released. August 27 At 22:55 p.m. Sgt. John Paul Beebe observed a vehicle traveling northbound on State Highway Route 15 at a high rate of speed. After stopping the vehicle further investigation resulted in the arrest of the driver, Fredie A. Rucda, 4l, of Newton. He was charged with drving while intoxicated, reckless driving, speeding and failure to observe a traffic signal. Rucda was released pending a mandatory Court Date in Sparta Court. August 29 At l:50 a.m. Sgt. John Paul Beebe observed a vehicle that was traveling southbound on Sparta Avenue that crossed over the double yellow lines. After stopping the vehicle, further investigation resulted in the arrest of the driver, Daniel Boyd, 38, of Newton, He was charged with driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to a Breathalyzer, careless driving and failure to keep right. He was released pending an appearance in Sparta court,