Police: Lakehurst Hit-And-Run Driver Tried To Mow Down Seaside Heights Cop

Police are looking for a 54-year-old Lakehurst man charged with attempted murder Sunday night after he crashed into a car, fled the scene and then attempted to mow down a Seaside Heights police officer.

At 9:30 p.m., Robert Dechert (pictured), 54, of the 200 Block of Cedar Street in Lakehurst was operating his 2014 Kia East on Route 37 in Toms River when it collided with a 2002 Chevy driven by Gary Pintler of Toms River, police said.

Dechert fled the scene in his vehicle, leaving his bumper and license plate behind. The crash was witnessed by uniformed off duty Seaside Heights Police Officer, Erik Hershey, who followed Decherts vehicle to Aqua Blu restaurant on Route 37 where it parked, police said.

Hershey approached the vehicle. Dechert then accelerated rapidly directly at the officer in an attempt to strike him. Hershey jumped out of the way and avoided being struck as the Kia fled the wrong way on Route 37 against traffic, police said.

Dechert was positively identified as the driver and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is charged with attempted murder by means of a motor vehicle and numerous motor vehicle violations, police said.

Bail is set at $500,000. Dechert and the vehicle are still being sought by investigators. Anyone with information should call Traffic Officer Mark Nater at 732-349-0150.