According to police, a Middletown man was charged with aggravated assault after cutting the gas line to a Pennsylvania home. Authorities allege that 30 year-old Ryan Elliot (who was dating a member of the household) cut the line while the family slept inside. A homeowner woke up to a strong smell of gas in his home shortly after 5 am. on Thursday and discovered the basement gas line was cut. Detectives allegedly found an “incendiary device in close proximity” to the cut line. Five family members were in the home at the time of the incident.
The U.S. Marshals Service and the New Jersey State Police along with Middletown officers arrested Eliott on Friday. He was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, burglary, arson and recklessly endangering another person. A preliminary hearing will take place in Pennsylvania once is transferred from Monmouth County. Click here to read more at www.nj.com.
The state of New Jersey takes aggravated assault cases very seriously and penalties can be severe if convicted.
Aggravated assault under paragraph 1 is a crime of the second degree, punishable by a period of between 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 85% to be served under the No Early Release Act (NERA).
Aggravated assault under paragraph 6 is a crime of the second degree, punishable by a period of between 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Aggravated assault under paragraph 8 is a crime of the second degree if the victim suffers significant or serious bodily injury; otherwise, it is a crime of the third degree.
Aggravated assault under paragraphs 2, 7, 9, 10, and 11 is a crime of the third degree, punishable by a period of between 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Aggravated assault under paragraph 5 is a crime of the third degree if the victim suffers bodily injury; otherwise it is a crime of the fourth degree.
Aggravated assault under paragraphs 3 and 4 is a crime of the fourth degree, punishable by a period of up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.
As to what constitutes bodily injury, significant bodily injury, and serious bodily injury, see the Related Definitions Subsection (codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-1).
If you or a loved one is charged with aggravated assault, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately, especially given the potential jail sentence and the application of NERA. Alissa D. Hascup is a skilled and experienced lawyer and she is committed to ensuring your rights are protected in court. Contact her office for a free consultation about your case. She is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
