A New Jersey man was arrested on attempted murder charges after police say he drove off from a wreck and then allegedly tried to run down a police officer who tried to stop him.
The suspect, 54-year-old Robert Dechert, was driving a Kia on New Jersey Route 37 in Toms River at about 9:30 p.m. Sunday when his car collided with another vehicle, according to the Toms River Police Department.
Dechert allegedly sped off, but a Seaside Heights police officer saw the crash and followed him to a nearby restaurant parking lot.
Once in the lot, the officer got out of his patrol car and tried to approach the Kia. That’s when police allege Dechert accelerated toward the officer, who jumped out of the way.
The car then sped back onto Route 37, heading against traffic.
Dechert surrendered to police Monday morning at his home in Lakehurst.
Dechert is charged with attempted murder by motor vehicle and multiple traffic violations. He also had open arrest warrants prior to Sunday's alleged hit-and-run.
