JACKSON – After following a victim to her house to stab her, a man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder due to road rage.
The victim – whose identity was not revealed – had been followed to her home by an unknown man who initiated a confrontation with her over an alleged road rage incident, police said. She told police how the suspect had punched her and threatened to kill her as he held a knife to her throat and then slashed her face. The suspect then fled the scene after a neighbor intervened and called 911.
The stabbing happened on Maria Street on May 8, police said.
The victim gave a description of the assailant’s car which was spotted by Sgt. Michael Kelly on Toms River Road. When Sgt. Kelly initiated a motor vehicle stop, the suspect drove away speeding.
The high-speed chase resulted in the suspect hitting two cars, injuring the occupants. One car was hit at the intersection of West Veterans Highway. As the suspect continued to speed away, he hit a second car, forcing it off the road and into the woods across from the Switlik School.
The suspect’s car was finally disabled after the second crash and police arrested Michael Mahan, 38, of Ewing Township. The car was later impounded and the knife used in the incident was recovered.
The stabbing victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment while those involved in the car accidents by the suspect were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Mahan 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: six 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.
After further conducting the investigation, police found that Mahan was involved in a separate incident with a Lakehurst Avenue resident just before the stabbing. Mahan 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.
