Toms River Man Put Gun Near Woman's Head, Pulled Trigger: Police

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River man is charged with attempted murder after police say he held a gun near a woman's head and pulled the trigger on Saturday evening. The bullet missed, police said.

In addition, Richard R. Dugo, 32, is charged with aggravated assault in connection with a December incident where he alleged to have dragged a woman with his car following an argument, Toms River Police Department spokesman Ralph Stocco said Thursday.

Dugo was arrested Sunday, March 25, by Toms River Detective Thomas Grosse, Stocco said.

Police said the woman was visiting a home on Bryant Avenue on March 24 when Dugo, who also lives on Bryant Avenue, is alleged to have come to the neighboring home at 9:45 p.m. armed with a handgun, Stocco said.

Dugo allegedly confronted the woman, who is known to him, and then threatened her with the firearm. During the brief altercation he placed the handgun near her head and fired a bullet, which missed the woman, Stocco said. At that point Dugo left the home, Stocco said.

Stocco said Dugo, who is being held at the Ocean County Jail, already was awaiting a court date in connection with charges stemming from a Dec. 23, 2017 incident where he is accused of assaulting a woman with his car by dragging her as he drove away from the scene of a verbal argument in Toms River.

The incidents involved two different women, Stocco said.

Dugo was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and additionally faces charges of aggravated assault with an automobile and willful nonsupport, according to the Ocean County Corrections website.

Assisting with the investigation are the Ocean County Sheriff's Department CSI Division and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office High Tech Crime Unit.

Photo via Ocean County Corrections website