Chester Man Stabbed Driver In Neck, Threatened With Gun: Cops

A Chester man has been arrested and lodged in jail after allegedly stabbing someone in the neck in Hackettstown Sunday afternoon, Sgt. Darren Tynan said.

Hackettstown police responded to the area of the Willow Grove Laundromat at 12:04 p.m. for a reported stabbing, Tynan said. When officers arrived, they were told the suspect got into a vehicle and fled the scene.

The vehicle identified was stopped a short time later by another officer, who was told by the occupants of the car they drove James Appis, 44, of Chester, to the Rendezvous Motel in Washington Township, Tynan said.

Officers then responded to the hotel where they found Appis, who fled but was later apprehended by police, Tynan said.

An investigation revealed the alleged victim, an acquaintance of Appis, stopped in traffic and rolled down the car window to say “hello” to the Chester man, Tynan said.

Appis then approached the vehicle, pulled out a folding knife and stabbed the victim on the left side of the neck, Tynan said. Appis then told the victim, “if you ever talk to me again, I have a gun,” Tynan said.

The victim drove to Hackettstown Regional Medical Center and was then transported to Morristown Medical Center.

Appis was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and terroristic threats. He was jailed in lieu of $50,000 bail with no 10-percent option and must undergo a psychiatric evaluation prior to release.