TOMS RIVER – A Toms River man has been charged with attempted murder for hitting a police detective with this vehicle Tuesday.
Brian Swain, 48, was charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon, Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little and Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Wednesday.
Authorities observed what appeared to be drug activity in the Walgreen’s parking lot on River Avenue in Toms River. A vehicle involved in that was stopped just over the border in Lakewood in the Seagull Square Mall.
As authorities approached the vehicle, Swain accelerated, stopped, and accelerated again toward a Toms River Police Detective. That detective sustained injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Swain was stopped and placed under arrested, and is now at Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing.
There were two passengers in Swain’s car at the time of his arrest.
Emil Menching, 39, of Toms River, was charged with possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a hypodermic needle. He was released pending a future court date.
The other passenger, Timothy Meseroll—authorities did not provide his age or town of residence—was arrested on active warrant. He posted bail and was released.
