Lincoln Street Resident Arrested in Hammer Attack

A resident of Lincoln Street was arrested on Tuesday night after a disagreement escalated to a man being hit with a hammer.

John Collins, 51, was reportedly arguing with another man when he stepped away from the disagreement and went back into his house in the Winding Brook Trailer Park on Route 547. He then returned from his house with a hammer, police said. The Howell Police Department reports that despite efforts by the other man to calm Collins down and avoid being struck and any further escalation, he was hit in the left ear by the weapon. 

In addition to the Howell Police Department, the Howell EMS also responded to the scene and transported the victim to nearby Kimball Medical Center. As of Wednesday morning it was not believed that the victim suffered serious injuries.

Before the police could arrive, Collins reportedly fled the scene. Patrolman Nicholas Bondarew and his K-9 parter Jago were then called in and able to track him down in the surrounding woods. 

Upon his apprehension Collins was charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and tampering with evidence. Bail was set at $25,000 with no 10 percent option, and Collins was sent to the Monmouth County Jail in lieu of bail.