MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — A Cape May man was charged with attempted murder following a stabbing March 23 in Rio Grande.
The Middle Township Police Department said officers were dispatched around 5:11 p.m. to Route 9 in the area of the Beach House Motel in response to a reported stabbing.
They located a 40-year-old male from South River, N.J., who had suffered significant injuries as the result of an apparent knife assault. Officers rendered immediate aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The victim was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division in Atlantic City, for treatment.
An investigation conducted by the MTPD Major Crimes Unit, in coordination with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, revealed that the victim was standing in front of the Beach House Motel when the accused, identified as Daniel Thomas, 35, allegedly arrived at the scene in a vehicle. Thomas allegedly exited the vehicle armed with a knife and approached the victim, stabbing him multiple times.
Police said the victim attempted to flee the area but the suspect allegedly pursued him across Route 9 into a nearby parking lot, where the assault continued. The suspect fled the scene in his vehicle.
The Major Crimes Unit, working in conjunction with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, located Thomas and took him into custody without incident.
Thomas was charged with criminal attempt (murder), a first-degree crime; aggravated assault, a second-degree crime; possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a third-degree crime; and certain persons not to possess weapons, a fourth-degree crime.
Thomas was processed and lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings.
Police said this wasn’t a random incident and that the victim and alleged perpetrator knew each other. At this time, there is no ongoing threat to the public.
A person convicted of a first-degree crime is subject to a term of imprisonment ranging from 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to call (609) 465-8704 or (609) 465-1135, or to submit tips anonymously through the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office website at cmcpo.tips.