Alleged Drug Dealer Jailed After Rental Car Fire

A 35-year-old Califon woman was jailed after police and fire officials responded to a vehicle and brush fire report called in by a bystander traveling on Pottersville Road on April 26, Chester Township Police said.

According to Chester Township Police Lt. Tom Williver, officials arrived on the scene to find a 2014 Kia Sorrento, that was rented to Somer Stephenson, engulfed in flames. The car fire had spread to the surrounding brush and was extinguished by the Chester Volunteer Fire Department, Williver said.

The location, off of Route 206, was only accessible by a dirt road and the fire was not reported by Stephenson, Williver said. Investigation on scene led to Stephenson being charged with criminal mischief, failure to report or control a dangerous fire, being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of controlled dangerous analogs, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession of a hypodermic needle and possession of drug paraphernalia, Williver said.

In addition, Williver said Stephenson was issued summonses for driving while under the influence of alcohol and or drugs, reckless driving and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle. 

Stephenson was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $50,000 Bail, Williver said.

The Morris County Prosecutors Office, Morris County Hazardous Materials Team, New Jersey Forest Fire Service and NJDEP also assisted with the investigation.