Soda in Man's Pants Leads to Fourth Arrest in 4 Weeks

A Hackettstown man has been arrested once a week for the past month, according to local police.

In his most recent arrest on Tuesday, Erik Mitchell, 21, was charged with shoplifting, possession of heroin, being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a hypodermic needle, Hackettstown Police Sgt. Darren Tynan said.

Police responded to the Route 182 Quick Check just after 5 p.m. Tuesday after receiving a report of a man acting disorderly and possibly under the influence of drugs, Tynan said. Mitchell had shoplifted a 20 oz. bottle of Diet Coke from the Quick Chek by putting the bottle in the front of his pants, Tynan said.

When police arrived, they also found three glassine bags of heroin and a hypodermic needle on him, according to Tynan. Mitchell was arrested and transported to the police station. He was later released with a ticket to appear in court.

Mitchell's previous arrests this month also stemmed from drug charges. On March 24, he was charged with possession of a hypodermic needle after police said he was lurking near cars and attempting to open their doors. Nine days later, Mitchell was arrested for allegedly shoplifting alcohol and having hydrocodone pills.

Most recently, Mitchell was arrested on a warrant for $500 stemming from a charge of possession of a hypodermic needle.

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