Current:Home > MarketsDriver arrested when SUV plows into home, New Jersey police station -WealthStream
Driver arrested when SUV plows into home, New Jersey police station
View
Date:2025-04-22 12:51:34
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! (2)
Related
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- South Carolina roads chief Christy Hall retires with praise for billions in highway improvements
- Canadian world champion pole vaulter Shawn Barber dies at 29 from medical complications
- Maryland Black Caucus’s legislative agenda includes criminal justice reform and health
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Florida Board of Education bans DEI on college campuses, removes sociology core course
- Columnist accusing Trump of sex assault faces cross-examination in a New York courtroom
- Galaxy S24, AI launch event: How to watch Samsung's 'Galaxy Unpacked 2024'
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Rhea Perlman, Danny DeVito and when couples stay married long after they've split
Ranking
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Fundraising off to slow start in fight over Missouri abortion amendment
- Michigan man won $1 million thanks to having to return a wrong item
- U.S. launches fourth round of strikes in a week against Houthi targets in Yemen
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- Rhea Perlman, Danny DeVito and when couples stay married long after they've split
- Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi and More Score 2024 BAFTA Nominations: See the Complete List
- Pennsylvania can’t stop young adults from openly carrying guns during emergencies, US court rules
Recommendation
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
Sonic has free food for teachers and school staff this week. Here's how to redeem.
Remains of fireworks explosion victims taken to Thai temple where families give DNA to identify them
Potential problems with New Hampshire’s aging ballot scanners could prompt conspiracy theories
Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
GOP legislators introduce bill to suspend northern Wisconsin doe hunt in attempt to regrow herd
Slovenia to set up temporary facilities for migrants at Croatia border, citing surge in arrivals
Wisconsin Assembly approves bill guaranteeing parental oversight of children’s education