Barnegat Man Charged With Assaulting Manahawkin Woman In Road Rage Incident

A Stafford Township woman is recovering after a Barnegat man followed her into the ShopRite parking lot on Tuesday and sprayed her in the face with Mace following a road rage incident, Officer Christopher M. Fritz said.

Police arrested John Huth Jr., 72, for aggravated assault after the incident after they received a 911 call from the 56-year-old Stafford woman. She told police she was in the parking lot when she was approached by the man, who sprayed her in the face and then drove away, Fritz said.

The victim said the man - later identified as Huth - was driving dangerously on Route 72 and had cut in front of several cars. Huth then got behind the victim and followed her into the ShopRite parking lot. As she came to a stop, Huth lightly crashed into the rear of her vehicle and got out to approach her. Huth approached her vehicle and began to spray pepper mace into her face. Huth then returned to his vehicle and drove off, Fritz said.

Huth was later arrested at his residence in Barnegat. He was taken into custody without incident and the mace used was recovered. Huth was transported to police headquarters, where he was charged with aggravated assault. He was also issued several motor vehicle summonses, including reckless driving.

He was released pending a future court date.

Patrolmen M. Morrin and Ptl. D. Samaritano were the arresting and investigating officers.

Stafford Police will not be releasing the victim's name. Please contact Lt. James Vaughn for any press related questions on this matter at jvaughn@staffordpolice.org or 609-597-1189 x8419

Image: Patch file photo.