Warren Police Chase Of Stolen Car Ends With Crash, 2 Arrested On I-287

WARREN, NJ — Two men were arrested after police said they fled in a stolen car, crashed into a police vehicle, and then tried to run away on foot in the middle of Interstate 287.

Joseph Galgano, 35, of Wyandanch, New York and Daniel Sweeney, 38, of South Orange, were both arrested, announced Warren Township Chief of Police William E. Keane.

On Tuesday, March 29, at about 12:45 p.m., Warren Township Police were alerted that a wanted felony motor vehicle had come into the township.

Officers found the vehicle driving south on Liberty Corner Road into Bridgewater Township where a motor vehicle stop was initiated in the parking lot of Blacksmith Commons strip mall in Martinsville, said Keane.

As officers approached the vehicle, police say Galgano and Sweeney began to flee and, in the process, hit a patrol vehicle.

A pursuit began that led officers to Interstate 287 in Bridgewater Township, where the stolen vehicle crashed into the center median guard rail, said Keane.

Galgano then tried to flee on foot, and Sweeney would not listen to the officer's directions, said Keane.

Both were placed under arrest in the center median, said Keane.

An on-scene investigation found that the vehicle was stolen from Nassau County, New York and the license plate was stolen from Newark. Additionally, the vehicle was wanted in connection with eluding officers in Newark, said Keane.

Galgano and Sweeney were taken to an area trauma center for medical evaluation related to injuries sustained as a result of the crash.

Gaglano was charged with second-degree eluding, third-degree aggravated assault (2 counts) and fourth-degree (1 count), third-degree receiving stolen property, third-degree resisting arrest, and criminal mischief (disorderly persons).

Sweeney was charged with fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, fourth-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), fourth-degree unlawful taking of means of conveyance, resisting arrest (disorderly persons), and possession of drug paraphernalia (disorderly persons).

Following medical evaluations, both were released and taken to Somerset County Jail awaiting detention hearings.

Chief Keane requests anyone with information relating to this incident to contact the Warren Township Police Department at 908-753-1000 or via the STOPit app.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers' Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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