Wanaque police officer cleared in shooting of knife-wielding man

WANAQUE — Prosecutors say a police officer who shot and wounded a man armed with a knife during a domestic dispute this summer has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

The finding was made by a Passaic County grand jury that reviewed the July 12 incident in Wanaque.

The panel found Wanaque officer John Galinus was justified in shooting 28-year-old Richard Liccardo after the Ringwood man allegedly assaulted someone he was dating and menaced Galinus with the knife. Authorities have said Liccardo also threatened two other people who lived at the home.

A separate grand jury has indicted Liccardo on numerous charges, including aggravated assault, making terroristic threats and weapons offenses.

Liccardo is due in court Tuesday for a bail hearing. He has recovered from the injuries he suffered in the shooting.