Man charged with DUI, heroin possession after crash in Sussex County Wendy’s drive-thru

FRANKLIN BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — A Branchville man was arrested after police said he was allegedly found under the influence and in possession of heroin following a crash in the drive-thru of Wendy’s on Route 23 in Franklin on Oct. 19.

Police responded to a report of a vehicle accident at the restaurant and were directed by staff to the vehicle involved. Following contact with the driver and an investigation, the man allegedly refused field sobriety testing and was placed under arrest for driving under the influence.

A search of the vehicle later revealed heroin, police said.

The driver, identified as Richard W. Lafrenz Jr., 56, of Branchville, was charged with third-degree possession of heroin and use or being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, a disorderly persons offense. He was also issued several motor vehicle summonses, including for driving under the influence and possession of narcotics in a motor vehicle.

Lafrenz was later taken to a medical facility for treatment and is pending his first court appearance before the Sussex County Superior Court, according to police.