Crime & Safety

Three Arrested After Assault Outside Quick Chek Store

Victim was hospitalized after early-morning violent encounter, police said

Two Point Pleasant Borough men and one Brick man were charged with aggravated assault after allegedly beating another Brick man outside Quick Chek on Route 88, Point Pleasant police said Monday.

Matthew J. Mehorter, 21, and Nicholas DelGrosso, 20, both of Point Pleasant, and Thomas Joyce, 23, of Brick, were charged at borough police headquarters at about 5 p.m. Thursday, said Capt. Richard Larsen.

According to an eyewitness who called police at about 2:32 a.m. Thursday, the victim was punched and kicked outside the store, Larsen said.

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When Officer Chris Phillips and Sgt. Jeff Maves responded to the scene, they learned that a 41-year-old Brick man had been waiting in line at the convenience store behind the three men who were charged.

The trio became involved in a verbal argument with the Brick man, police said. The three men bought their items, walked outside, and then the Brick man made his purchase and walked outside, Larsen said.

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"The verbal argument continued outside and turned physical," Larsen said.

The three men punched and kicked the victim, causing him to fall to the ground, according to a few eyewitnesses, he said.

The victim was treated by the Point Pleasant First Aid Squad at the scene and then at Ocean Medical Center in Brick before he was released, Larsen said.

The victim had multiple injuries including a broken nose, broken eye socket, a broken finger and a head laceration, he said.

Detective Lt. Adam Picca continued the investigation, which led him to contact the three men and they agreed to come into borough police headquarters to be interviewed about the incident.

The interview led to the arrest of the men, who were released after processing, Larsen said.

Police declined to release the victim's name.


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