Man stabbed during Seaside Park, NJ attempted burglary
SEASIDE PARK — A man was stabbed multiple times during a home break-in around dawn on Thursday.
The 39-year-old homeowner called police from his Seaside Park home and said a person who broke into his home around 5:15 a.m. tried to kill him, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer. Arriving officers found the man with stab wounds to the arms, chest, abdomen and groin.
An investigation led police to Porfirio Serrano-Cruz, 38, of Seaside Heights who was charged with first-degree attempted murder, and second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, burglary and possession of Clonazepam without a valid prescription.
Clonazepam is a medication prescribed to control seizures or fits caused by epilepsy, involuntary muscle spasms and panic disorder, according to Webmd.com. Among its side effects in a small number of people are mood or mental changes, depression and suicidal thoughts.
Billhimer did not disclose if Serrano-Cruz removed anything from the home or if anyone else was there.
Serrano-Cruz is being held at the Ocean County Jail.
The homeowner was taken to Jersey Shore University Hospital and was in critical condition on Friday.
Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com
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