Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 29, Dion Marsh, 27, of Manchester Township, was indicted on charges of Terrorism, Carjacking, Bias Intimidation, Attempted Murder, Attempted Kidnapping, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
Additionally, Michelle Strachan, 28, of Jackson, was indicted on charges of Hindering Apprehension.
According to Prosecutor Billhimer, On April 8, at approximately 1:10 p.m., in the area of Arlington Avenue and Lincoln Street in Lakewood, a male was traveling northbound on Arlington Avenue operating a 2011 Toyota Camry when he was approached by the suspect, who was on foot.
The suspect attempted to open the car door - which the victim locked as he watched the suspect approach the vehicle.
Upon the suspect attempting to open the door, the victim accelerated the vehicle.
Prosecutor Billhimer stated that the suspect reached through the open window and attempted to hold on to the vehicle while the victim continued to drive - traveling approximately one city block before the suspect let go.
At approximately 1:15 p.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department were summoned to the area of Martin Luther King Drive and Pine Street for a report of a carjacking.
Responding officers determined that a male suspect approached a 2016 Toyota Camry, assaulted the driver, and fled the area in the vehicle.
According to Prosecutor Billhimer, at approximately 5:20 p.m., a male pedestrian was crossing Kimball Road at Central Avenue in Lakewood in the southern direction when a dark-colored sedan struck him from the right side, causing minor bodily injury. The vehicle then fled the scene.
At approximately 5:25 p.m., a 911 call was placed by a male in the area of Carlton Avenue and Central Avenue in Lakewood, reporting that his minor son had been approached by a black Honda Accord occupied by a skinny black male.
Prosecutor Billhimer said that the caller stated that the black male attempted to physically grab the minor victim and pull him into the vehicle but was unsuccessful.
At approximately 6:00 p.m., Lakewood Township Police received a report of a pedestrian being struck by a motor vehicle in the area of Central and Carlton avenues. Responding officers discovered that a male victim had been struck by a dark-colored vehicle.
The victim was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was treated for his injuries and released.
According to Prosecutor Billhimer, at approximately 6:55 p.m., Lakewood Township Police Officers responded to a 911 call in reference to a stabbing in the vicinity of Pine Circle Drive and Lakewood New Egypt Road.
The officers discovered a male victim with a stab wound to his chest. The victim was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries and released.
At approximately 8:20 p.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to a 911 call for a report of a pedestrian being struck by a motor vehicle in the area of Galassi Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer stated that responding officers were able to determine that the male victim had been struck by the same vehicle that was taken in the carjacking incident in Lakewood earlier in the day.
The victim was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was treated and released to a rehabilitation facility.
An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit and Lakewood Township Police Department revealed that Marsh was responsible for all of these criminal acts.
On April 8, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit and Manchester Township Police Department arrested Marsh at his residence in Manchester Township without incident.
Marsh has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since the date of his arrest.
According to Prosecutor Billhimer, on April 8, Marsh was charged with Attempted Murder, Carjacking, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Bias Intimidation.
On April 8, Detectives conducted an interview with Michelle Strachan and determined that Strachan provided conflicting information. Strachan was subsequently charged with Hindering Apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer said that on April 13, Marsh was charged additionally with; Attempted Murder, Attempted Carjacking, Attempted Kidnapping and Bias Intimidation.
Additionally, Prosecutor Billhimer sought approval from Acting New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin to charge Marsh with Terrorism. Accordingly, Marsh was charged on April 14 with Terrorism.
"A thorough review of the totality of the circumstances surrounding this defendant's intent, conduct and behavior lead us to the charge of Terrorism," Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
"We are prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Marsh intended to terrorize the Jewish community in Lakewood and Jackson Township(s) on April 8, 2022."
"This indictment is just the next step in bringing this young man to justice," Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.