Police arrest suspect accused of trying to run over cop in Toms River

ByAvianne Tan WABC logo
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
police seeking hit and run suspect toms river
WABC

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (WABC) -- Police have arrested a suspect charged with attempted murder and numerous motor vehicle violations in a hit-and-run incident in Toms River Sunday night.



Robert Dechert was arrested at his home in Lakehurst, New Jersey, Monday.



After realizing through several media outlets that he was wanted, Dechert surrendered by phoning the Lakehurst Police Department.



Police say Dechert was operating his 2014 Kia East on Route 37 when it collided with a 2002 Chevy driven by Toms River resident Gary Pintler, according to a police report.



Dechert allegedly fled the scene in his car, leaving his bumper and license plate behind.



The crash was witnessed by Erik Hershey, a uniformed off-duty Seaside Heights police officer, who followed Dechert's car to Aqua Blu restaurant on Route 37, where it parked.



Hershey says he attempted to approach the vehicle, but Dechert then apparently accelerated rapidly towards the officer in an attempt to strike him.



Hershey says he jumped out of the way and avoided being struck as Dechert's Kia fled the wrong way on Route 37 against traffic.



After his arrest, Dechert was transported to Toms River Police Headquarters, where he was processed for his charges. He was then transferred to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains on $500,000 bail.


Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.