Current:Home > MyDriver arrested when SUV plows into home, New Jersey police station -BeyondProfit Compass
Driver arrested when SUV plows into home, New Jersey police station
View
Date:2025-04-12 17:19:12
A 34-year-old New Jersey man is in jail on terrorism charges after authorities alleged he deliberately drove his SUV into a home and a police station while blaring the Guns N' Roses' song "Welcome to the Jungle" from his stereo.
John G. Hargreaves was immediately taken into custody when his Toyota SUV came crashing through the lobby of the Independence Township Police Department. He exited the vehicle with his hands and index fingers raised as if celebrating a touchdown, police said.
"The entire vehicle came to a final resting place in the squad room. The defendant exited the vehicle and appeared to be celebrating as officers apprehended him on scene as his car stereo blared the song 'Welcome to the Jungle,'" according to a statement from Warren County Prosecutor James Pfeiffer.
Surveillance video of the incident released by authorities showed the SUV plowing through a wall of the police station on Sept. 20 and causing "significant damage," Pfeiffer said.
Minutes before the police station crash, Hargreaves is alleged to have purposefully driven his vehicle through the garage door of a home in nearby Liberty Township, New Jersey, according to Pfeiffer.
"The investigation showed that at approximately 6:17 p.m. (on Sept. 20), the defendant deliberately crashed his gold Toyota SUV into the garage of a private residence in an attempt to scare or harass the homeowner, who the defendant knew," Pfeiffer said in his statement.
Hargreaves is suspected of picking the Independence Township Police Department to crash into because it was the nearest law enforcement facility to the Liberty Township crash, authorities said.
No injuries were reported in either incident.
MORE: Video Boy drives stolen construction vehicle, damages property
Following the police station crash, Hargreaves of Belvidere, New Jersey, was booked at the Warren County Correctional Center on one count of first-degree terrorism and one count of causing widespread injury or damage, according to Pfeiffer.
If convicted of the terrorism charge, Hargreaves could face a sentence of 30 years to life in prison, Pfeiffer said.
MORE: Alabama riverfront melee: 5th suspect turns himself in, police say
"The offense is subject to the No Early Release Act," Pfeiffer said.
Hargreaves is also facing several charges stemming from the crash into the Liberty Township home, including burglary, harassment, aggravated assault, criminal mischief and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Hargreaves remains locked up at the Warren County Correctional Center, pending a hearing in Warren County Superior Court, according to Pfeiffer.
It was unclear if he had hired an attorney.
veryGood! (8615)
Related
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- How saving water costs utilities
- In Texas, a New Study Will Determine Where Extreme Weather Hazards and Environmental Justice Collide
- Over 1,000 kids are competing in the 2023 Mullet Championships: See the contestants
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- A University of Maryland Center Just Gave Most State Agencies Ds and Fs on an Environmental Justice ‘Scorecard’
- YouTubers Shane Dawson and Ryland Adams Expecting Twins Via Surrogate
- A cashless cautionary tale
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Clean-Water Plea Suggests New Pennsylvania Governor Won’t Tolerate Violations by Energy Companies, Advocates Say
Ranking
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Our first podcast episode made by AI
- Children as young as 12 work legally on farms, despite years of efforts to change law
- Is greedflation really the villain?
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- This Program is Blazing a Trail for Women in Wildland Firefighting
- It’s Showtime! Here’s the First Look at Jenna Ortega’s Beetlejuice 2 Character
- Save 40% On Top-Rated Mascaras From Tarte, Lancôme, It Cosmetics, Urban Decay, Too Faced, and More
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
Facebook, Instagram to block news stories in California if bill passes
The U.S. dollar conquered the world. Is it at risk of losing its top spot?
Instant Pot maker seeks bankruptcy protection as sales go cold
Average rate on 30
Occidental is Eyeing California’s Clean Fuels Market to Fund Texas Carbon Removal Plant
Is the debt deal changing student loan repayment? Here's what you need to know
You may be missing out on Social Security benefits. What to know.