Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 5, 2022, the Honorable Michael T. Collins, J.S.C., ordered that Jesse Rucci, 39, of Toms River, shall remain detained in the Ocean County Jail pending trial on charges of Attempted Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1 and N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, in connection with an incident that occurred in Toms River Township on March 23, 2022.
On March 23, 2022, at approximately 4:45 p.m., the Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department were summoned to the area of North Bay Avenue and Whitty Road for a report of a physical altercation taking place on the side of the roadway. A subsequent investigation revealed that Rucci – who was a passenger in a motor vehicle – began stabbing the female driver of the vehicle. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road and exit the vehicle, at which time Rucci followed her and continued to assault her. A local resident who witnessed the incident was able to restrain Rucci until the Officers arrived. The female victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries. Rucci was taken into custody at the scene, and has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his arrest. The detention hearing was handled by Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Esler.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Toms River Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their collective efforts in connection with 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).