On June 7, 2025, around 4:52 p.m., Denville Police received a 9-1-1 call about a driver who was unconscious and slumped over the steering wheel on Franklin Road near Route 46. Officers found the driver, identified as Paul Rankin Jr., and woke him up. After speaking with him, police determined he was under the influence of narcotics. He was found in possession of suspected heroin, suspected crack cocaine, smoking pipes, needles, and other drug paraphernalia.
Rankin Jr. was arrested and taken to Denville Police Headquarters. He was charged with two counts of drug possession, one count of being under the influence, one count of possessing drug paraphernalia, and several motor vehicle offenses. Police also discovered he had multiple outstanding warrants. He was taken to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a court date.
Two days later, on June 9 at noon, Denville Police were called to a business lobby at East Main Street and Indian Road for a report of an intoxicated woman causing a disturbance. At the same time, another report came in from Partner Liquors at 123 East Main Street about a woman shoplifting a bottle of wine.
Police identified the woman in both cases as Jennifer Lester. When they approached her, she became angry and assaulted one of the officers by punching and spitting on them. Lester was arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment. She was later charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, disorderly conduct, and shoplifting.
Both individuals face pending court appearances.
