South Hackensack police say DWI hit and run driver tried using key in different car

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: A drunk driver smashed his car into a Route 46 guardrail in South Hackensack, then tried to use his key in another car and was arrested along with a companion, authorities said.

Photo Credit: *Courtesy SOUTH HACKENSACK PD*

Jerry DeMarco

08/27/2014 7:38 p.m.

Patrick Rodriguez, 25, and his passenger, 38-year-old Angelo Vargas, took off after the car struck a guardrail on the westbound highway Tuesday afternoon, Capt. Robert Kaiser told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.

Officers Sean Bannon and Brian Kropp grabbed the pair moments later after Rodriguez “entered another vehicle and tried using his key which obviously did not work,” Kaiser said.

Both suspects were carrying 25 bags of marijuana, he said.

Police charged Rodriguez (above, left) was charged with DWI, refusing to take a breath test, leaving the scene of a crash, having an open alcoholic beverage and the 25 bags of pot, as well as car burglary.

Vargas (above, right) was charged with possessing and intending to sell the marijuana, and for having an open alcoholic beverage.

Both were being held on $25,000 bail each in the Bergen County Jail.

MUGSHOTS: Courtesy SOUTH HACKENSACK PD

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