TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A Monmouth Beach man has been charged with attempted murder after police say he repeatedly stabbed another man during a fight outside a residence in the Ortley Beach section of Toms River on Thursday.
According to the Toms River Police Department, officers responded to the 200 block of Harding Avenue on Thursday for a reported disturbance. Upon arrival, officers found two men—Patrick Robertelli, 57, of Monmouth Beach, and Michael Abrams, 52, of Toms River—physically fighting in front of the home.
Police said they separated the men and discovered Abrams had been stabbed multiple times. Emergency medical services were called, and Abrams was airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune with life-threatening injuries.
The investigation revealed that Robertelli had traveled to the residence where Abrams was staying in order to confront him. The altercation escalated, and Robertelli allegedly stabbed Abrams several times before officers intervened.
Robertelli was arrested at the scene without incident and taken to the Toms River Police Department. A knife believed to be the weapon used in the attack was recovered by police.
Charges and custody status
Robertelli was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, harassment, and stalking. The charges were issued on a warrant, and Robertelli is being held at Ocean County Jail pending a first appearance detention hearing.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office are assisting with the investigation. Police say Abrams remains hospitalized after the Thursday attack.
