Victim Used FaceTime to Report Attacker in South Brunswick, Police Say

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - A person who said they were being assaulted Sunday morning at a hotel off Rt. 1 in South Brunswick used FaceTime to alert a relative, who contacted police, South Brunswick police said.

Officers arrived within minutes and captured the suspect after he fled down Rt. 1. Chief Raymond Hayducka credited the use of social media and a fast police response for making the arrest.

The incident began at 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Police received a call from a person stating their relative was being assaulted at the La Mirage Motor Inn on Rt. 1. The relative told the police dispatcher that the victim was currently on FaceTime and the suspect was nearby. Officer Craig Cleffi arrived within minutes and found the victim in the parking lot with lacerations and swelling to the head and face. Nearby in a silver Toyota Corolla was the suspect, Jaron Thomas, 25, of Somerset.

Officer Cleffi told Thomas to stop the vehicle, but Thomas accelerated and drove around the officer onto Rt. 1 south. Officer Cleffi notified dispatch that he needed an ambulance for the victim, and the suspect had fled in the Toyota Corolla onto the highway.

Officer William Beard was northbound on Rt. 1 and observed the Toyota Corolla going southbound. Officer Beard turned around and attempted to catch up to Thomas, who turned into the parking lot of the Hotel Vincenza. Thomas then pulled behind the hotel building in an attempt to lose the officer. Officer Beard located Thomas in the rear lot parked between several other vehicles. Thomas provided officers with a false name and identity. Thomas was charged with aggravated assault, obstruction of justice, and hindering his apprehension. He was lodged in the Middlesex County Correction Center pending his first court appearance.

The victim was taken to an area hospital and is receiving treatment for facial fractures.

“The victim used social media to notify a relative of the ongoing assault," Chief Hayducka said. "When seconds count, use whatever tools you need to contact police for help."