Sparta Man Takes Vehicle, Found With Heroin, Cops Say

A 27-year-old Sparta resident was found with heroin after he took a vehicle without the owner's consent, Sparta Police said.

Stephen M. Youngclaus was charged with taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, possession of heroin, possession of narcotics in a motor vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended, according to a police report supplied by Sgt. John-Paul Beebe.

The report said Officer CJ Grauerholz first responded on Sept. 29 at 12:20 a.m. after complaints from the vehicle's owner that their Ford Escape was taken by Youngclaus without permission.

According to the report, a short time later Grauerholz located the vehicle traveling north on Hunters Lane. Grauerholz stopped the SUV, and found Youngclaus behind the wheel, the report said.

Youngclaus was placed under arrest and taken to the Sussex County Sheriff's Department where he also had an outstanding arrest warrant for a burglary charge, according to the report.

When searching the vehicle, officers found 18 empty glassine fold marked "Titanic" and two full glassine wrappers with the same logo that contained heroin, the report said.

According to the report, officers also seized an uncapped used syringe.