LAKEHURST – A Toms River man has been arrested and charged for wielding a knife and chasing an individual in a residential neighborhood while intoxicated, police said.
Yesterday around 1:16 p.m., officers from the Lakehurst Police Department responded to 200 Center Street for a report of an intoxicated man having a knife and chasing a person in the street.
Chief Matthew Kline, PO Michael Cecchini and PO Tyler Sypniewski were first on the scene and were able to locate, de-escalate and apprehend the man.
According to police, the victim was able to flee to safety during the encounter before officers arrived.
The investigation revealed that the suspect, Pedro Mazariegos-Baires, 22, of Toms River, was carrying a large butcher knife which was concealed in his waistband.
Mazariegos-Baires was arrested and charged with the following: Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct.
Mazariegos- Baires was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and transported to the Ocean County Jail. He also had an active criminal warrant from the Ocean County Superior Court for a prior criminal sexual contact charge.
All criminal charges are merely accusations, and all subjects are innocent until proven guilty.
The public is reminded that they may report suspicious activity and remain anonymous or use the department’s tip link online: lakehurstpolice.org.
