Crime & Safety

Toms River Man, 19, Charged in Seaside Stabbing

Verbal argument at hotel escalated into stabbing, police said.

An 18 year-old male is now in stable condition after a stabbing last weekend in Seaside Heights that police said is still under investigation.

The victim, whose name was not released, remains in Jersey Shore Medical Center due to multiple stab wounds to his abdomen, said Seaside Heights Det. Steve Korman.

Devaun Nettles, 19, of Route 166 in Toms River, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon by Seaside Heights police, Korman said.

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The detective said the two men began arguing, and the verbal argument turned violent, with Nettles drawing a knife and stabbing the victim in his abdomen multiple times.

"A verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation," Korman said.

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The incident was 11:30 p.m. May 20 at Seaport Motel's Apt. 1 on Carteret Avenue, police said.

Korman said the police are continuing the investigation to identify witnesses to the stabbing. Ptl. Robert Hanlon issued the charges, and Detectives Luigi Violante and Elijah Bryant are investigating.

Nettles was processed at Ocean County Jail, $15,000 bail.


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