Watch CBS News

Cops: Man stole grandma's car, sold it for heroin

WYCKOFF, N.J. - A New Jersey man has been arrested for allegedly stealing his grandmother's car from a church parking lot and selling it for heroin, reports CBS New York.

Twenty-two-year-old Arthur J. Garlick Jr. is charged with stealing a 1999 Lincoln Town Car from the Cedar Hill Christian Reformed Church in Wyckoff, N.J., on June 3, according to the station.

Garlick's grandmother was in the church at the time, police said, serving as a poll worker on election day. The car was recovered a week later in Paterson, N.J., and another man was initially arrested for the theft. Wyckoff police said officers were led to Garlick after interviewing the first man in jail.

The station reports Garlick admitted to stealing the car and selling it for $200 dollars and $150 worth of heroin, authorities said. The suspect lives with his grandmother, and police said he got an extra set of her keys and made off with the vehicle knowing she would be at church all day.

"This crime highlights the ever-growing heroin addiction problem recently called an 'absolute epidemic' by the Bergen County Prosecutor," said Wyckoff Police Chief Benjamin Fox. "Sadly, persons addicted will let nothing stand in their way to obtain heroin; even thefts from family members."

Garlick was charged with auto theft of the third degree and released on his own recognizance, CBS New York reports.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.