Sparta Police

September 25 Cpl. Richard Ckyton observed a vehicle that was parked in the back lot at 411 N. Church Road (State Highway Route 94) partially in the brush. Further investigation resulted in the arrest of the driver, Joseph Elvena, 52, of Swartswood, He was charged with DWI and refusal to submit to the breathalyzer. He was released pending a court date in Sparta Court. September 27 At 9:01 a.m., the resident of 11 Gristmill parked his 2001 Subaru Forester in his garage. A short time later the vehicle caught fire, causing heavy damage to the vehicle as well as the home. No one was injured in the fire. Sparta Fire Department, Sparta Police Department Detectives, Sussex County Prosecutors Office and the New Jersey State Police Arson Unit investigated the incident and have found the cause to be accidental. September 28 At 7:15 a.m. Sparta Police received a call from Micheal Shea, 49, of Seneca Lake Road stating that his aunt was going to hurt herself. Officer Brian Hassloch responded to Seneca Lake Road and after further investigation arrested Shea and charged him with knowingly placing 9-1-1 calls without purpose (a fourth-degree crime) and making false reports to the police. This has been an ongoing problem with Shea as he has made at least six false 9-1-1 calls concerning his aunt all without merit.