NJ Man Slammed Victim's Face Into Vehicle In Road Rage Incident, Police Say

LAKEWOOD, NJ — A Toms River man slammed another man's face into the side of a vehicle and punched him, knocking the victim out, in a road rage incident in Lakewood, police said.

Thomas W. Vance, 39, was arrested Friday following the incident that happened in the area of New Hampshire Avenue and Chestnut Street about 3:30 p.m., Lakewood police said.

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Vance has been charged with aggravated assault with bodily injury, and was being held in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Police said the road rage incident between Vance and the other driver escalated into a two-vehicle crash, and then Vance confronted the other driver.

Vance "slammed the victim's face into the side of a vehicle, and then struck him, causing him to lose consciousness," police said.

The victim suffered a small cut and was taken to an area hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

"Road rage incidents can escalate very quickly and have serious consequences," Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer said. "We ask motorists to remain calm, avoid engaging with aggressive drivers, and contact law enforcement if they feel threatened or unsafe. No disagreement on the roadway is worth someone getting hurt or ending up in jail."