Alleged Car Thief Said He Was Taking Vehicle for 'Test Drive'

A Hackettstown man was charged with burglary and unlawful taking of a means of conveyance after Mount Olive police said he attempted to steal a car from the KIA dealership lot on Route 46 Saturday.

David Fletcher, 44, was arrested just after midnight, according to Ptl. Michael Russell.

Mount Olive Police Sgt. Mark Calstrom was patrolling the area when Russell said he noticed a 2014 KIA driving off the lot on to Route 46 East. Calstrom stopped the car and asked the driver, Fletcher, why the car was driving off the lot while the business was closed.

An investigation showed that Fletcher had entered the car and found the keys, Russell said.

"He then decided to take the vehicle for a test drive," police said in a press release.

Fletcher was arrested and transported to the police station. He was later released in his own recognizance and is awaiting a court appearance.

For questions on this report, email ariana.cohn-sheehan@patch.com.