Police Charge Toms River Man, 63, In Lakewood New Year's Eve Stabbing

A Toms River man has been charged in the of a woman at the Lakewood American Legion post on River Avenue in Lakewood on New Years Eve.

Robert Hankins, 63, of Toms River, has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon (a knife) for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a knife, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch-Ford. Hankins bail was set at $250,000 no 10 percent option by the Judge James M. Blaney.

The woman, who has not been identified, was stabbed at the legion post at 1256 River Avenue last night.

 “On Saturday, December 31, 2011 at approximately 11:55 p.m., the Lakewood Police Department received a call concerning a stabbing which occurred inside the legion hall," Ford said in a press release. "Lakewood police officers discovered a woman with a slash wound to her neck. She was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment."

Hankins apparently stabbed himself in the neck prior to the arrival of the police, according to Ford. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact Detective Steven Wexler of the Lakewood Police Department at (732) 363-0200 or Detective Tom Tiernan of the at (732) 929-2027.