JACKSON – Jackson Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who allegedly assaulted a female victim.
On Sept. 24, at approximately 2:20 p.m., police responded to a residence on Melissa Lee Drive for a report of a female who had come out of a nearby wooded area screaming for help and was found by a resident.
According to police, the female had reportedly picked up the male suspect, who she knows, at a Jackson residence and drove to a nearby WaWa parking lot to talk inside the vehicle.
“During that time it was alleged that the male suspect began using cocaine and had possession of a taser which he used to shock her multiple times. During this time he also allegedly threatened the victim with the taser not to attempt to alert police to what was taking place and then also choked her,” stated Captain Steven Laskiewicz.
The female victim then crawled into the backseat and the suspect drove away with her trapped in the rear. She was unable to exit the vehicle as the child safety locks were engaged. The suspect drove to Melissa Lee Drive, got out of the vehicle and dropped the vehicle keys on the ground. He proceeded to throw the victim’s cell phone into the woods before leaving on foot.
The surrounding area was later checked by police for signs of the suspect, but he had fled the area.
Law enforcement has since identified the suspect as 26-year old Jesse J. Shawger of Toms River. Police believe Shawger may be staying at residences in Jackson.
He was charged with: criminal restraint, robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and aggravated assault and is currently entered as a New Jersey Wanted Person and at this time may still be in possession of the taser.
Anyone with any information regarding Shawger’s location are asked to contact Det. Robert Reiff or Det. Michael Goelz of the Jackson Police Department at 732-928-1111 or information can be left anonymously at the department’s P3 Tips site.
