Suspected Drunken Driver Assaults Police Officer in Sparta Township
A suspected drunken driver was arrested on November 4 after assaulting a police officer in Sparta Township, Sussex County, New Jersey. The incident occurred at the Sparta Shell Station on Woodport Road.
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Officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked in the gas station lot, occupied by an unknown person. Upon arrival, they found a man with red hair sleeping in the driver’s seat. The officer tapped on the window to wake him up and ensure his safety.
The driver, later identified as Jason Chapman, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The officer requested backup and planned to conduct field sobriety tests. Meanwhile, the business owner informed the officers that Chapman had driven onto the property and moved his vehicle around the parking lot multiple times.
When the officers approached Chapman’s vehicle, he refused to remove the keys from the ignition and became uncooperative. His New Jersey driving privileges were found to be suspended. Despite repeated orders to exit the vehicle, Chapman remained defiant.
As the situation escalated, Chapman attempted to close his door quickly, striking the officer with the vehicle. The officer attempted to arrest him, but Chapman resisted and punched the officer in the face. After a struggle, officers broke the passenger window to gain access to the locked vehicle and deployed pepper spray to subdue Chapman.
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Once he was taken into custody, officers found drug paraphernalia and a small baggie with residue in Chapman’s pocket. He was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, DWI, driving with a suspended license, possession of controlled dangerous substances in a motor vehicle, and careless driving.
Chapman is currently being held in the Morris County Jail, awaiting a court appearance. The assaulted officer suffered swelling and a cut on his upper lip but is expected to recover.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by drunk driving and the risks that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty.
