Man Charged With Carjacking Crashed While Fleeing Toms River Police

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River man whose license is revoked has been charged with assault by auto and eluding after he crashed into another vehicle while fleeing police in a stolen vehicle, Toms River police said.

Dylan S. Panatero, 40, was arrested Nov. 8 following the crash on Fischer Boulevard where he hit a vehicle that was stopped for the traffic signal at Yellowbank Road, said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

The vehicle initially was listed as stolen, but Ocean County Court records show Panatero has been charged with carjacking, aggravated assault where he is accused of trying to strangle a domestic violence victim; a contempt charge for violating a protective order; burglary; robbery; unlawfully taking a means of conveyance and driving on the revoked list.

Messina said Toms River Police Officer Michael Weg was on patrol about 11 p.m. on Nov. 8 when he saw a vehicle at a Route 37 traffic signal that had been reported stolen from Bridgewater.

The driver turned into a nearby parking lot and Weg turned on his overhead lights and tried to approach the vehicle, she said. At that point the driver, later identified as Panatero, abruptly pulled out of the parking spot and took off.

Weg followed, and Panatero continued to flee at high speed, driving recklessly, Messina said. He lost control of the vehicle and hit another vehicle that was stopped on Fischer Boulevard at the traffic signal at Yellowbank Road, Messina said.

Panatero sustained a minor injury and was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment, she said. The other driver was treated at the scene by EMS and refused further medical treatment.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office approved a second-degree charge of eluding, Messina said, and Panatero additionally was charged with receiving stolen property, assault by auto, and crash with injury while on a suspended license. Panatero was also issued several motor vehicle violations.

The stolen vehicle was impounded and the owner was notified.

Panatero is being held in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River. In addition to the other charges filed, Panatero has been charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance. It is not clear where the domestic violence assault happened.