Stolen Vehicle Pursuit in NJ and NY
NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Major Joseph W. Dodd
Troop T Commander
Major Joseph W. Dodd
Troop T Commander
PRESS RELEASE
January 2, 2017, at approximately 8:15 a.m., the East Rutherford Police Department of New Jersey were pursuing a stolen 2003 International flat bed tow truck. They entered the New York State Thruway I-87 at Exit 15A. Members of Troop T – Zone 1 joined the pursuit. The suspect vehicle being driven by, Paul T. Gudanowski, 50, of Wood-Ridge, NJ, continued northbound until Exit 15 (Harriman), making an illegal U-Turn continuing southbound, then intentionally striking 2 different Troop cars disabling both. Gudanowski continued southbound leaving the Thruway at Exit 15A and traveled onto Route 17, where he struck the East Rutherford PD vehicle.
Gudanowski was taken into custody on Route 59 in the Village of Hillburn. He was subsequently charged with:
- Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree; a Class D Felony
- Assault in the 2nd Degree; a Class D Felony
- Criminal Possession of a Stolen Property in the 4th Degree; a Class E Felony
- Unlawful Fleeing in the 3rd Degree; a Class A Misdemeanor
- Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree; a Class A Misdemeanor
- Resisting Arrest; a Class A Misdemeanor
- Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd Degree; a Class A Misdemeanor
- Driving While Intoxicated; a Misdemeanor
- Numerous Vehicle and Traffic Violations
Gudanowski was arraigned before the Town of Monroe Court and was remanded to the Orange County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond, scheduled to reappear on January 6, 2017.
Both Troopers sustained minor injuries and were treated and released from St. Luke’s Hospital.
The East Rutherford PD Officer was not injured.
