Sparta Police Arrest Man who Passed out Behind the Wheel on Route 15

SPARTA, NJ — Sparta Police arrested a Franklin man for DWI after he passed out behind the wheel on Route 15 at around 1:30 a.m. Saturday, police said.

Officers were called to the scene and discovered a 2004 Honda sitting on the painted median that separates the north and southbound lanes. The driver, later identified as Christopher D. Pennella, 22, was sleeping behind the wheel.

Pennella's front bumper was missing and grass and dirt covered the front of the vehicle. Officers woke Pennella up, after some effort, and Pennella told them his front bumper was missing before this event, police said.

Additional officers arrived at the scene and asked Pennella to perform a series of Field Sobriety Tests. Pennella failed the tests and was placed under arrest for DWI. He was then brought to Headquarters for processing and breath testing.

Officers weren't able to determine where Pennella's vehicle left the roadway, police said.

Pennella was charged with DWI, Careless Driving and Failure To Maintain Lane. He was released to a sober adult and awaits a court date.

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