Driver In I-80 Hit-And-Run On Cop Arrested In Bergen County

SADDLE BROOK, NJ — A 20-year-old woman has been charged in a hit-and-run on Interstate 80 that sent a police officer to the hospital on Sunday.

Katelyn M. Gallardo, 20, of Maywood, was accused of striking the Saddle Brook police officer shortly after 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, the state police announced on Monday night.

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Officer Nicholas Genuario remains in the Intensive Care Unit with serious injuries, said Chief John Zotollo late Monday.

Gallardo has been charged with second-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, third-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury, and third-degree endangering an injured victim, said the state police. She was taken to the Bergen County Jail.

Police had said Genuario was conducting a traffic stop of a Nissan Maxima on I-80 East when a passing car struck him, as well as the left side of the Maxima, before fleeing. The Maxima's occupants were uninjured. READ MORE: Saddle Brook Police Officer Seriously Injured In Hit-And-Run

The state police determined that the car that hit the officer was a white 2024 Honda Accord driven by Gallardo, they said.

Chief Zotollo said that while Genuario is still in ICU, his condition is not considered life-threatening.

"According to information obtained from the hospital, and with consent of the officer and his family, I can confirm that his condition is classified as 'critical but stable,' " Zotollo said in a statement late Monday. "While Nicholas faces a long road to recovery and will require future surgeries once stable, hospital officials have verified that he has no life-threatening injuries at this time."

Zotollo added, "Police Officer Genuario is a vital part of our law enforcement family, and is known for his commitment and character. He's well-liked and respected within our department, and the community of Saddle Brook as well. We ask everyone to keep Nicholas in your thoughts and prayers."

He also commended the state police, Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, and his own officers, who arrested Gallardo 30 hours after the crash.

"We are all extremely grateful to everyone that has reached out, offered resources, and kept us in their thoughts," he said.

Genuario's family released a statement saying, "Your love, strength, and support following what happened to Nicholas have meant more than words can express. We are relieved that an arrest has been made and grateful to everyone who stood by Nicholas."

The state police posted on social media on Sunday that drivers should slow down when they see an emergency vehicle stopped.

"When you see emergency responders, law enforcement, tow truck operators, highway workers, or a disabled vehicle stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights, New Jersey's Move Over Law requires you to safely move over one lane when possible," they wrote. "If you cannot safely move over, slow down below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop."

READ MORE: Saddle Brook Police Officer Seriously Injured In Hit-And-Run