Toms River Girl Lured Victim To Beating In Laundry Room: Police

JACKSON, NJ — A Toms River girl and a Howell Township man are accused of taking part in an assault on a Manalapan man that happened early Wednesday morning, Jackson Township police said Wednesday.

The Toms River girl, who was not identified because she is a juvenile, and Kevin Prieto, 22, of Howell, were arrested shortly after the incident, which was reported at 12:17 a.m., Jackson Capt. Steven Laskiewicz said. Prieto had fresh blood on his face, shirt and hands, Laskiewicz said.

The assault happened at Prospect Pointe Apartments on Brewers Bridge Road. The victim told police he had been talking to the girl online and she told him to meet her at the complex. When he arrived, the girl led him to a basement laundry room, where he was beaten by at least three men, one of whom the victim knew from past interactions, Laskiewicz said.

The victim reportedly lost consciousness at one point but was able to get out of the laundry room and go outside, where the assault continued and he began yelling for help, Laskiewicz said.

Police Officers Derek Thomason, Robert Reiff and Thomas Conti arrived and found the victim with injuries, and a short time later, found a vehicle that was reported to be involved in the incident. The girl and Prieto were in the car and both were identified as having been involved in the incident, Laskiewicz said.

The victim, was treated by first aid and then taken to the hospital for additional treatment, he said.

Prieto was charged with aggravated assault and conspiracy and is being held at the Ocean County Jail. The girl was charged with conspiracy and released to her family; her case will be referred to Family Court, Laskiewicz said.

Police are still trying to identify the others suspects who were reported to have been involved in the attack, he said. Anyone with information is asked to call Jackson police at 732-928-1111 or through P3 Tips.

Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Toms River Patch on Facebook.