Woman arrested for hit-and-run that critically injured Saddle Brook officer
Katelyn M. Gallardo, 20, of Maywood, is facing multiple charges related to the crash.
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A Maywood woman was arrested after a hit-and-run crash on I-80 that critically injured a Saddle Brook police officer who was conducting a traffic stop early Sunday morning.
Katelyn M. Gallardo, 20, of Maywood is facing multiple charges in connection with the crash including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and leaving the scene of an accident. New Jersey State Police said the crash happened at about 4:34 a.m. on the eastbound side of I-80. Saddle Brook Police Officer Nicholas Genuario was conducting a traffic stop on a grey Nissan Maxima when the incident took place. While he was standing outside the vehicle, a 2024 Honda Accord driven by Gallardo struck both the Nissan and the officer, then fled the area, police said.
Through an investigation, police were able to identify Gallardo as the suspect. New Jersey State Police said the Honda she was driving at the time of the crash was located at her Maywood home.
"The vehicle exhibited damage consistent with the crash on Interstate 80," police said in a statement.
She is facing multiple charges including assault on a law enforcement officer and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury. Gallardo was transported to Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing, police said.
Officer Genuario was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The three occupants of the Nissan were not injured. Saddle Brook Police Chief John A. Zotollo, Jr, said the officer is listed as "critical but stable."
"While Nicholas faces a long road to recovery and will require future surgeries once stable, hospital officials have verified that he has no life-threatening injuries at this time," the chief said. "Police Officer Genuario is a vital part of our law enforcement family, and is known for his commitment and character. He’s well-liked and respected within our department, and the community of Saddle Brook as well. We ask everyone to keep Nicholas in your thoughts and prayers as he faces the road to recovery ahead."
Zotolla expressed gratitude for the work done by the law enforcement agencies who responded and investigated the crash, as well as the support offered by community members.
In a statement, the Genuario family also offered thanks to police and those who have reached out to them.
"Your love, strength, and support following what happened to Nicholas have meant more than words can express," the Genuario Family said. "We are relieved that an arrest has been made and grateful to everyone who stood by Nicholas."
