Drunk Driving Dad With Restraining Order Tried Fleeing N.J. With Son: Cops

SPARTA TWP., N.J. – A Sparta Township man was arrested and jailed after police say he was caught driving drunk while trying to take his son to a different state.

Around 9:50 a.m. on March 3, Sgt. Jeff Mase was running radar on Stanhope Road in the area of Helen Morgan School when he saw a 2012 Ford speeding, Sgt. Dennis Proctor said.

Mase stopped the vehicle and believed the driver, Linton Mohammed, 43, may be under the influence of alcohol, Proctor said. The DWI investigation was turned over to officer May who conducted field sobriety tests on Mohammed, which the driver subsequently failed, Proctor said.

During the investigation police found Mohammed’s son, 4, in the vehicle as well, Proctor said. Police learned there was a temporary restraining order on the father and he was prohibited from having contact with his son. Further investigation revealed Mohammed was leaving the area for Florida with the child, Proctor said.

Mohammed was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated with a minor in the vehicle, interference of custody, and contempt of court. He was placed in Sussex County Jail in lieu of $35,000 with no 10-percent option.