INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ – A man from New Jersey is facing terrorism charges following an incident where he deliberately drove his vehicle into a police station while playing Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” according to the district attorney’s office. The unexpected event left the local law enforcement in shock, but they were quick to respond and apprehend the suspect.
On September 20, John Hargreaves allegedly drove his gold Toyota SUV into the garage door of a residence in Liberty Township, New Jersey. The district attorney’s office suggests that this was an attempt to intimidate or harass a homeowner that Hargreaves was familiar with. After leaving the residence, Hargreaves proceeded to drive his vehicle into the Independence Township Police Department, which was the nearest police station to the damaged house.
The SUV crashed into the police department’s squad room, with Hargreaves exiting the vehicle seemingly in a celebratory mood as officers arrested him on the scene. According to Warren County Prosecutor James Pfeiffer, the song ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ was loudly playing from the car’s stereo during the incident.
Security footage released by the police department shows the empty squad room moments before the car crashes through the exterior wall and slams into a desk around 7:36 p.m. The video shows Hargreaves quickly exiting the vehicle post-crash and raising his hands as two officers enter the room. Despite their evident shock, the officers immediately apprehended Hargreaves and took him into custody.
The police department suffered significant damage to its front entrance and will remain closed until further notice. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either crash. The department is currently undergoing repairs and security upgrades.
Hargreaves is facing charges of burglary, criminal mischief, possession of a weapon, and harassment in relation to the crash at the residence. In connection with the police station incident, he has been charged with terrorism, causing widespread injury or damage, aggravated assault, burglary, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and criminal mischief. If convicted, Hargreaves could be sentenced to life in prison. He is currently being held at the Warren County Jail.