16-Count Indictment For Morris Man Accused of Threatening Ex With Knife, Stealing Car

A Long Valley man who sent local, county, and state police on a day-long manhunt after allegedly stealing a vehicle before threatening his ex-girlfriend with a knife has been indicted on 16 counts by a Grand Jury in Sussex County.

Ryan Brennan, 29, left his parents’ home in Long Valley on Monday, Jan. 5, allegedly armed with a knife and threatening self-harm, police said.

An area-wide manhunt ensued but Brennan did not turn up. Hours later, just before midnight, Brennan was arrested by New Jersey State Troopers at his ex-girlfriend’s home in Sussex Borough, where he allegedly threatened her and others in the house with a knife.

After several status conferences, Brennan remains lodged in jail, and on June 18 was indicted on 16 counts of various offenses. They include:

• Second degree burglary
• Second degree aggravated assault
• Third degree aggravated assault
• Third degree terroristic threats / threat to kill
• Five counts of third degree criminal restraint
• Third degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
• Fourth degree unlawful possession of a weapon
• Two counts of third degree endangering the welfare of a child
• Fourth degree criminal mischief
• Fourth degree contempt
• Third degree theft

An arraignment is scheduled for Superior Court in Newton some time in the next six weeks, according to the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Pictured: Ryan Brennan. Photo Courtesy New Jersey State Police.