Brick Auto Shop Owner Stabbed, Then Subdues Suspect

The owner of a Brick Township auto repair shop subdued and held a man who stabbed him until police arrived, authorities said.

Brick Police were called to My Family Auto Care on Route 88 around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and found the store's owner had suffered a stab wound to the hand during an altercation with a man who he believed had stolen items from the business in the past.

But even after suffering a stab wound, the shop owner was able to subdue the suspect, identified as Steven K. Kalinich, 54, of Sawmill Road, and hold him until police arrived, according to Sgt. Henry Drew.

The shop owner, who was not identified by name, was treated on scene by Brick Police EMS and refused to be taken to a hospital, said Drew.

Kalinich was transported to Brick Township Police Headquarters where he was charged with third and second degree aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Ptl. James Albanese handled the initial call. Detectives Gregory Mullarkey and Daniel Waleski responded and took the investigation over at Brick Police Headquarters, Drew said. Anyone with additional information on the case is being asked to contact Mullarkey at 732-262-1122 or Waleski at 732-262-1170.  They can also contact the Brick Township Police Department directly at 732-262-1100.