Current:Home > StocksDriver arrested when SUV plows into home, New Jersey police station -AssetVision
Driver arrested when SUV plows into home, New Jersey police station
View
Date:2025-04-18 14:58:28
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! (227)
Related
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Russia-Ukraine war: What happened today (March 21)
- Instagram and Facebook begin removing posts offering abortion pills
- Hairstylist Chris Appleton Confirms Romance With Lukas Gage
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- New York attorney general launches probe of Twitch and Discord after Buffalo shooting
- Shop These 15 Women-Founded Accessories Brands Because It’s Women’s History Month & You Deserve a Treat
- Here's why tech giants want the Supreme Court to freeze Texas' social media law
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Royal Caribbean cruise ship passenger goes overboard on trip to Hawaii
Ranking
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Scotland's Stone of Destiny'' has an ancient role in King Charles' coronation. Learn its centuries-old story.
- Here's how Americans view facial recognition and driverless cars
- Third convoy of American evacuees arrives safely at Port Sudan
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- One Tree Hill’s Hilarie Burton Shares How Chad Michael Murray Defended Her After Alleged Assault
- Jock Zonfrillo, MasterChef Australia host, found dead at age 46
- Adam Brody Would Do a Revival of The O.C. Under One Condition
Recommendation
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
Demi Lovato Investigates Impact of Child Stardom in Directorial Debut
Zachary Levi Shares Message to His Younger Self Amid Mental Health Journey
U.S. resumes deportation flights to Cuba after 2-year pause
The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
How period tracking apps and data privacy fit into a post-Roe v. Wade climate
Over 50 gig workers were killed on the job. Their families are footing the bills
What Ukraine war news looks like from Russia