Heroin, Knife Found on Newton Man, Sparta Cops Say

A Newton man was caught with heroin and a knife following a motor vehicle stop Saturday, Sparta Police said.

Jason Hanrahan, 35, was charged with possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of hypodermic syringes, being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, according to a report supplied by Sgt. John-Paul Beebe.

Sparta Police first responded to a call from a motorist about a possible drunk driver traveling on Route 15 North at about 7 p.m. Friday, Beebe said. Officer Brian Hassloch located Hanrahan's vehicle parked in the Park & Ride on Blue Heron Road where he found Hanrahan sitting in the driver’s seat drifting in and out of consciousness, Beebe said.

Hassloch, a Certified Drug Recognition Expert, found that Hanrahan was under the influence of heroin, Beebe said. He said Hanrahan admitted to injecting 10 bags of heroin, and was found with 46 additional wax folds stamped “TOPFLIGHT” containing heroin, along with six syringes.

While searching Hanrahan, Hassloch also found a large black and orange fixed blade survival knife secured to Hanrahan's belt, Beebe said. Beebe said Hanrahan could not provide a legitimate lawful purpose for possessing the weapon.

Hanrahan was then placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing and additional DWI testing, Beebe said. He was released several hours later to a sober family member, Beebe said.