INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ – A bizarre incident unfolded in New Jersey, where a man intentionally drove his vehicle into a police station while blaring Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” leading to his arrest on terrorism charges, as reported by the district attorney’s office. The incident, which caught the police officers off guard, was handled swiftly and professionally.
John Hargreaves, the suspect, allegedly targeted a home in Liberty Township, New Jersey, on September 20, ramming his gold Toyota SUV into the garage door. The district attorney’s office believes this act was intended to frighten or harass a homeowner known to Hargreaves. After this incident, Hargreaves drove his vehicle to the Independence Township Police Department, the closest police station to the scene of the first crash.
Hargreaves’ vehicle ended up in the police department’s squad room, and he exited the vehicle appearing jubilant as officers arrested him on the scene. Warren County Prosecutor James Pfeiffer noted that the song ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ was playing loudly from the car’s stereo during the incident.
The police department has released security footage showing the empty squad room just before the car crashes through the wall and collides with a desk at approximately 7:36 p.m. The footage shows Hargreaves quickly leaving the vehicle after the crash and surrendering to the two officers who entered the room. Despite their surprise, the officers promptly detained Hargreaves and took him into custody.
The police department’s front entrance was severely damaged and will remain closed for an indefinite period. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported in either crash. The department is currently closed for repairs and security enhancements.
Hargreaves is now facing a litany of charges. In connection with the residential crash, he has been charged with burglary, criminal mischief, possession of a weapon, and harassment. For 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 found guilty, Hargreaves could be looking at a life sentence. He is currently detained at the Warren County Jail.