Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 5, 2021, Raziel Mancebo, age 27, of Scotch Plains, was charged with Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(7); and Simple Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1a(1), in connection with an incident that occurred in Toms River on July 4, 2021.
On July 4, 2021, at approximately 9:15 p.m., the Toms River Township Police were summoned to the area of Cattus Island Boulevard and Hazelwood Road for a report of an unconscious male in the roadway. Responding Officers found Alan Stever, age 56, of Toms River, with an apparent head injury. Mr. Stever was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune where he is currently listed in serious but stable condition.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and the Toms River Township Police Detective Bureau revealed that a black BMW was traveling northbound on Hazelwood Road at a high rate of speed. The vehicle approached the cross street of Hazelwood Road and Cattus Island Boulevard and stopped at the stop sign. At this point a resident of the neighborhood, Jason Durante, age 50, of Toms River, approached the BMW. The driver of the BMW and Mr. Durante exchanged words and eventually became involved in a physical altercation. The driver of the BMW also became involved in a physical altercation with Alan Stever, striking him. Mr. Stever fell to the ground and struck his head on the pavement. The driver of the BMW then got back into his vehicle and traveled eastbound on Cattus Island Boulevard. Extensive further investigation revealed that Mancebo was the driver of the BMW and was responsible for striking both Mr. Durante and Mr. Stever.
On July 7, 2021, Mancebo surrendered himself to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. Mancebo was processed and charged at the Toms River Police Department and transported to the Ocean County Jail. Mancebo will remain in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Detective Bureau, Scotch Plains Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit in this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).