STATE OF NEW JERSEY VS. JOHN THOMPSON (6184, PASSAIC COUNTY AND STATEWIDE) A-2011-18T4 Appellate Feb. 10, 2020 Summary Summary - A-2011-18T4 In this appeal, the court held that an intoxicated defendant asleep and behind the wheel of a parked motor vehicle with its engine running is "operating" the vehicle within the meaning of N.J.S.A. 39:4-50(a).