State police have charged 27-year-old Joseph John Gillo Jr. of Clymer with theft for allegedly stealing his father’s pickup truck yesterday. Gillo’s arrest brought to an end a two-day crime spree that started in Johnstown on Sunday.
His father’s pickup had been parked in a driveway along Route 553 in Cherryhill Township. He was later taken into custody by state police from the Emporium barracks in Cameron County.
Gillo is also charged for two incidents Sunday in Cambria County. Johnstown police say he carjacked a pickup truck at a gas station Sunday night. A woman was pumping gas and when she finished, police say Gillo jumped into the truck and began fighting with her. He was able to drive away, dragging her through the parking lot before running over her. The woman was injured and underwent emergency surgery at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. Police used surveillance video to identify Gillo as the suspect, and Carrolltown police later came upon the stolen vehicle at the Sheetz store there. Gillo was inside the store at the time and when police confronted him, he fled, running back to the stolen truck and escaping.
Johnstown police have charged Gillo with aggravated assault by vehicle, robbery of a motor vehicle, accident causing serious bodily injury, receiving stolen property, failing to stop or render aid, and driving an unregistered vehicle. Carrolltown police have charged him with receiving stolen property and misdemeanor resisting arrest and fleeing or eluding. He’s awaiting preliminary hearings in all three cases.
