Sparta Drunk Driver Stole Car In Jefferson: Police

JEFFERSON, NJ — A Newark man is wanted by police in two jurisdictions for stealing the car he drove while drunk, Sparta Police said.

Keith Johnson, 41, of Newark, is wanted in Sparta and Jefferson after Sparta police were told the car they found him drunk driving in was stolen from a Jefferson car dealer, police said.

Johnson was stopped on Route 517 in Sparta at 11:53 p.m. on Jan. 12, Sparta police said, for a broken license plate light. When talking to Johnson, police said they saw a half-empty bottle of brandy on the floor. Johnson allegedly told police he drank it before driving.

He didn't have his license, but police said a check through DMV showed that it was suspended. After field sobriety tests, Johnson was arrested and charged with DWI and other motor vehicle offenses.

The next day the car Johnson was driving was reported stolen from a used car lot in Jefferson. The car, which was still impounded, was processed by Jefferson police, who charged Johnson with car theft. Sparta Police charged him with receiving stolen property, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The car was returned to its owner.

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