On January 11, the PAPD George Washington Bridge Command received information from the Teaneck, New Jersey, Police Department regarding a vehicle that had fled after striking a Teaneck police officer. Port Authority Police Officers John Natiku and Christopher Gallardo observed the vehicle enter the lower level of the George Washington Bridge. The suspect refused the officers’ attempts to stop the vehicle using emergency lights and a siren. The suspect continued to flee, striking three vehicles on the bridge and causing injuries and damage.
The suspect proceeded to 178th Street and Fort Washington Avenue in Washington Heights, where he bailed from the vehicle and fled on foot. Police Officers Joseph Romano and Joseph Cassera joined Officers Natiku and Gallardo in a foot pursuit that ended with the suspect’s apprehension. The suspect violently resisted arrest, resulting in injuries to two officers. Subsequent to the arrest, the suspect was found to be in possession of a quantity of a controlled substance.
The Port Authority PBA wishes its two members and the Teaneck police officer complete recoveries from their injuries.