Jackson Police Department News Release

Road Rage Incident Results in Attempted Murder Charge

On Saturday May 8, 2021 at approximately 4:50 pm, officers were dispatched to respond to a report of a stabbing incident which had occurred on Maria Street.

Police Officer Robert Reiff arrived on scene to discover a female who was suffering from a large slash across her face and bleeding heavily. The investigation would reveal that the female had been followed to her residence by an unknown male who initiated a confrontation with her over an alleged road rage incident. It was reported that the male punched the victim and threatened to kill her as he held a knife to her throat and then slashed her face. As a neighbor intervened and called 911, the suspect fled the area.

A description of the suspect and suspect vehicle was obtained and a short time later as Sgt. Michael Kelly was responding to the scene, he observed the vehicle on Toms River Road. Sgt. Kelly activated the patrol unit’s emergency lights and conducted a motor vehicle stop with the suspect. As the sergeant exited his vehicle, the suspect vehicle pulled away from him. A pursuit was then initiated as the suspect fled at a high rate of speed. As the suspect attempted to make a turn from Toms River Road onto West Veterans Highway, he swerved into the opposite lane of travel and struck a vehicle near the intersection. Other officers responding to the scene stopped to render aid to the occupants of that vehicle. The suspect then continued to operate the 2018 Kia he was driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed at which time the sergeant terminated the pursuit.

As the suspect continued at a high rate of speed, he struck another vehicle in the rear on West Veterans Highway and forced it off the road into the woods across from the Switlik School. The suspect vehicle travelled for approximately another 500 feet before it became disabled on West Veterans Highway and the suspect was taken into custody by P.O. Andy Falzarano who had been responding to the scene. The vehicle was later impounded and the knife used in the incident was recovered as detectives responded to assist with the investigation. Officers from the Ocean County Sheriff’s CSI unit and investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office also responded to process the scenes and collect evidence.

The stabbing victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment and the occupants of the two vehicles struck by the suspect were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Arrested:
Michael Mahan, age 38 of Ewing Township, NJ. He was charged with: attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, terroristic threats, eluding, aggravated assault (causing bodily injury during a pursuit: 6 counts), driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to breath testing and multiple other motor vehicle offenses. He was processed and transported to the Ocean County Jail.

As the investigation proceeded during the evening, it was also discovered that Mr. Mahan had been involved with a separate incident with a Lakehurst Avenue resident just before the stabbing where he reportedly threatened the victim after parking in front of his residence. Complaints are pending with that incident.

  • The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Captain Steven Laskiewicz
Investigations Division Commander
Jackson Police Department
May 10, 2021