On Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at approximately 7:26 p.m., the Verona Police Department responded to Fairview Avenue at the intersection of Sampson Drive on a report of a motor vehicle collision involving a cyclist. Upon arrival, Gary Glebas, 51, of Cedar Grove, was found conscious in the roadway. He was suffering from a number of injuries and was transported to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson by the Verona Rescue Squad and paramedics from St. Joseph’s Mobile Intensive Care Unit. Glebas is listed in stable condition.
From evidence at the scene and witness statements, it was apparent that a Ford F-150 operated by Dean T. Locke, 49, of Shirley, New York was traveling southbound on Fairview Avenue when he struck a cyclist who was also traveling southbound on Fairview Avenue while operating a bicycle. The vehicle continued to travel south on Fairview Avenue.
Witnesses of the collision followed the fleeing vehicle to the area of Bloomfield Avenue where the operator parked the vehicle and fled on foot. Several moments later Locke was apprehended hiding behind a dumpster and taken into custody without incident.
Locke has been charged with a host of motor vehicle offenses including driving under the influence, leaving scene of accident, open alcohol container in motor vehicle, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident with injuries. Locke was processed at police headquarters and released.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Criminal charges may be pending.
Motor vehicle summonses and criminal complaints are merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Verona Police Department asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact Detective Sergeant Tim Banta at (973) 857-4764.
