Verona DUI Arrest: Man Hit Cedar Grove Biker Near High School, Cops Say

VERONA, NJ — Verona police charged a New York man with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident after he allegedly struck a Cedar Grove cyclist with his truck near Verona High School on Wednesday, drove away from the scene and tried to hide from cops behind a dumpster, authorities say.

According to the Verona Police Department, officers responded to Fairview Avenue at the intersection of Sampson Drive around 7:26 p.m. after receiving a report of a motor vehicle collision involving a cyclist.

On arrival, the officers found Gary Glebas, 51, of Cedar Grove, conscious in the roadway but suffering from a number of injuries. Emergency responders transported Glebas to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson where he was treated for his injuries and was listed in stable condition.

Citing witness statements and “evidence found at the scene,” the Verona Police Department issued the following statement about the vehicle-pedestrian crash:

“A Ford F-150 operated by Dean T. Locke, 49, of Shirley, New York, was traveling southbound on Fairview Avenue when he struck a cyclist who was also traveling southbound on Fairview Avenue while operating a bicycle. The vehicle continued to travel south on Fairview Avenue. Witnesses of the collision followed the fleeing vehicle to the area of Bloomfield Avenue where the operator parked the vehicle and fled on foot. Several moments later Locke was apprehended hiding behind a dumpster and taken into custody without incident.”

Authorities charged Locke with driving under the influence, leaving scene of accident, open alcohol container in motor vehicle, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident with injuries.

An investigation is ongoing and criminal charges may be pending, police stated.

The Verona Police Department asked anyone with additional information about this incident to contact Detective Sergeant Tim Banta at (973) 857-4764.

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