Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 7, Michael Mahan, 38, of Ewing Township, was indicted on charges of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, Eluding, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Terroristic Threats, Assault by Automobile, Assault by Automobile and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in connection with a series of events that transpired in Jackson Township on May 8.
According to Prosecutor Billhimer, on May 8, Jackson Township Police Officers responded to a 911 call for a report of a stabbing incident on Maria Street. Responding officers discovered a female with a large slash across her face.
An investigation conducted by the Jackson Township Police revealed that the female victim had been followed to her residence by Mahan. Mahan held a knife to the victim’s neck, threatened to kill her, and then proceeded to slash her face. As a neighbor intervened and called 911, Mahan fled the area.
The investigation found that Mahan’s vehicle was observed by Officers traveling on Toms River Road. A pursuit was initiated, and Mahan fled at a high rate of speed. As Mahan was attempting to navigate a turn onto West Veterans Highway, he struck another vehicle.
As he continued traveling at a high rate of speed on West Veterans Highway, Mahan’s vehicle collided with yet another vehicle - forcing it off the road. Mahan’s vehicle traveled approximately 500 more feet before it became disabled; Mahan was subsequently taken into custody without incident.
Prosecutor Billhimer said that the female victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of nonlife-threatening injuries, and the occupants of the two vehicles were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Further investigation revealed that Mahan had earlier that day, approached a female homeowner in her driveway brandishing a knife. Mahan retreated after being confronted by the female victim’s husband and their pet dog.
According to Prosecutor Billhimer Mahan has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension.