Sparta Police
March 16 At 7:49 p.m., Sgt. John Paul Beebe, several patrol officers and Det. Terrence Mulligan responded to a 9-1-1 call at the Fendt residence in the 500 block of West Shore Trail for a medical emergency. Further investigation found David Krienke, 21, of that address in a chair. Krienke had overdosed on narcotics. The Sparta First Aid Squad took him to Newton Hospital. He was later released and charged by Officer Graig Grauerholz and Sgt. Beebe with unlawful use of Oxycontin, possession of drug paraphernalia and being under the influence of a narcotic. He was later released to a sober adult. March 17 At 8:45 p.m., Officer Joe Pensado responded to the Middle School for a report that a black pick-up truck was traveling on Route 517 “all over the road” by another motorist, who said the truck went into the parking lot and struck a stop sign. Further investigation led to the arrest of the driver, Joseph Rich, 47, of Newton. He has been charged with careless driving, failing to keep right and D.W.I. He was later released. March 18 At 11:39 p.m., Officer Joe Pensado was at the traffic light at Pine Cone Lane and Woodport Road when he observed a car headed south without its lights on and then fail to stop for the red signal. After stopping the car, further investigation resulted in the arrest of the driver, Mark Ayotte, 44, of Port Murray. He has been charged with driving without headlights, disregarding a traffic signal, obstructing traffic, failing to exhibit documents, failing to wear a seatbelt, D.W.L, refusing to take a breath test and disorderly conduct for urinating on the floor in the holding room. He was later released.