Missouri man arrested after throwing objects at multiple vehicles during a two-county spree on Thruway
On October 16, 2026, members of the New York State Police Troop T and Troop D Community Stabilization Unit arrested John W. McGinn, age 43, of Kansas City, Missouri, following multiple incidents involving objects being thrown at moving vehicles along the New York State Thruway (I-90) in Cayuga and Onondaga counties.
At approximately 9:34 p.m., State Police received multiple reports of an individual throwing objects at passing vehicles on I-90 in the town of Brutus, and the town of Salina, before fleeing the area in a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox.
Troopers located a vehicle matching the description and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the Thruway in the town of Salina. The operator, later identified as McGinn, initially stopped before reentering the roadway and driving erratically. Following a brief pursuit, the vehicle came to a stop partially in the driving lane and fog line. McGinn got out of the vehicle, resisted arrest, and was subsequently taken into custody.
The investigation determined that McGinn allegedly stood in the roadway and threw objects, believed to be rocks and bricks, at passing vehicles along a several-mile stretch of the Thruway spanning Cayuga and Onondaga counties. At least seven vehicles sustained damage as a result of the incidents.
Further investigation revealed that McGinn also had an outstanding felony warrant issued in Ohio.
McGinn was transported to SP Syracuse for processing and charged with the following:
Three counts of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (Class E felony)
Nine counts of Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree (Class A misdemeanor)
Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class A misdemeanor)
Resisting Arrest (Class A misdemeanor)
Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class A misdemeanor)
Multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law violations
McGinn was arraigned in Onondaga County Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) Court and remanded to the Onondaga County Justice Center pending pickup by authorities in Ohio on the outstanding warrant.
A warrant has been applied for the charges in the town of Mentz, Cayuga County.
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