TUCKERTON – A fugitive, who was on the run for 24 days, has being indicted on Attempted Murder charges after shooting a man, police said.
Donald Rutter, 52, of Tuckerton, was arrested on January 28 when police located him in Atlantic City after fleeing an attempted murder scene.
A joint investigation revealed that Rutter had shot Thomas Jarvis, 55, of Little Egg Harbor, on January 5. When police arrived to Jarvis Marine on Radio Road after a 911 call, they found Jarvis with a gunshot wound to his midsection. He was quickly transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical for treatment.
On August 19, Rutter was indicted on charges of Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke who is handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Regional SWAT Team, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Park Police, United States Marshals Service, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Tuckerton Police Department, for their combined and collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in Rutter’s apprehension and indictment.
The charges referenced are merely accusations and the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
