TRENTON – A Ewing Township man was indicted for attacking a woman that he got in an altercation with while driving.
Michael Mahan, 38, was indicted on July 7 on the following charges: Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, Eluding, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Terroristic Threats, Assault by Automobile; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. There were 15 charges all together, because some crimes had multiple charges.
On May 8, Mahan followed the victim to her home on Maria Street in Jackson. There, he held a knife to her neck, threatened to kill her, and slashed her face, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
He fled when a neighbor intervened. Police spotted his car leaving and a chase ensued.
Mahan was attempting to navigate a turn onto West Veterans Highway when he struck another vehicle. He continued travelling at a high rate of speed on West Veterans Highway and collided with yet another vehicle – forcing it off the road. His vehicle traveled approximately 500 more feet before it became disabled and Mahan was soon taken into custody without incident. He has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension.
The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-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 homeowner in her driveway brandishing a knife. He retreated after being confronted by the victim’s husband and their pet dog.
Prosecutor Billhimer thanked the efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who is handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as Jackson Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts.
