Car Thief Caught After Maspeth Pursuit
Found sleeping at the wheel of a stolen vehicle in Maspeth, a Ridgewood man woke up and nearly ran down a police officer while attempting to escape arrest last Thursday morning, July 24, police reported.
Law enforcement sources said Christopher Hartung, 28, of Putnam Avenue allegedly led police on a brief pursuit through Maspeth streets and managed to get away.
However, authorities stated, his run from the law ended later that morning after he ditched his ride and was caught trespassing onto railroad property.
According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, the trouble began at about 4:50 a.m. at the corner of Flushing Avenue and Rust Street.
Police said officers from the 104th Precinct spotted a 1999 white Ford vehicle parked at the intersection. Hartung was reportedly observed slumped over the steering wheel.
A check of the car’s license plate found that it had been reported stolen from a Middle Village car dealership in April of this year.
Law enforcement sources said P.O. Sean Christian approached the vehicle and identified himself as a police officer. Reportedly, Hartung awoke and, upon realizing police were nearby, revved up the car, hit the accelerator and began to drive.
Police said the speeding vehicle narrowly missed hitting the officer, who jumped out of the way. However, it was reported, Hartung struck the police cruiser, then fled from the scene.
Christian reportedly returned to the vehicle and engaged in a brief pursuit of the stolen car. According to the criminal complaint, Hartung allegedly drove the stolen vehicle onto the sidewalk and through an active red light, then made a left turn without signaling.
Moments later, police said, the officers lost sight of the stolen vehicle.
At about 10:30 a.m., officers from the 104th Precinct responded to a New York and Atlantic Railway facility at 56-24 Flushing Ave. in response to a call of a trespasser.
Upon arrival, authorities stated, the officers located Hartung trespassing in the area. During a search, they reportedly recovered in his possession a pipe and a push rod, each of which contained quantities of heroin. He was subsequently taken into custody by the 104th Precinct’s P.O. Patrick Sullivan.
Officers located the stolen vehicle the following day, Friday, July 25, abandoned at the corner of 58th Street and Maspeth Avenue.
Hartung was charged with multiple counts of reckless endangerment, unauthorized use of a vehicle, criminal possession of stolen property, criminal mischief, reckless driving and criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Court records noted that Judge John Zoll ordered Hartung held on a combined $30,000 bail during arraignment last Friday.
