An intoxicated New Jersey man reportedly led police on a two state pursuit that ended with the stolen tow truck dragging a police cruiser with an officer inside for half a mile.
The chase began yesterday morning around 8:15 a.m. when police in East Rutherford spotted a tow truck that had been reported stolen. The driver of the tow truck refused to stop for police, instead fleeing north on Route 17.
As the pursuit neared the New York state border, one of the East Rutherford police cruisers somehow became hooked on to the rear of the tow truck.
The cruiser was dragged for half a mile with the officer still inside. The tow truck driver also reportedly intentionally hit and disabled two New York State Police cruisers during the pursuit.
The chase eventually came to an end after a 40 minute pursuit on Route 59 in Hillburn, New York.
Fifty-year old Paul T. Gudanowski was arrested and placed in the custody of the New York State Police. He was charged with DUI, two counts of aggravated assault, possession of stolen property, eluding police, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Gudanowski will be extradited to New Jersey.
The two troopers who were hit during the pursuit were treated at the hospital for minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.
It is believed that the tow truck was stolen from Bergen Brookside Auto Body & Towing in Hackensack around midnight.
Sources:
North Jersey
Ramapo Daily Voice
NJ.com
The Washington Times
Fox 5 NY