Lakewood Man Catches Attacker After He's Stabbed: Police

LAKEWOOD, NJ — Authorities are still trying to determine the motive for a stabbing that happened Tuesday in Lakewood, where a man was stabbed while he loaded pastries into his vehicle.

Menachem Cohen, 36, chased and caught the woman accused of stabbing him, Lakewood Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said. Cohen was treated at a hospital and released, he said.

Cohen was loading the pastries into his vehicle in a parking lot near Ashley Avenue and Cedar Bridge Avenue about 9 a.m. Tuesday when he was stabbed in the lower back, Staffordsmith said.

Erika Cruz, 38, who's homeless, was identified as the suspect, Staffordsmith said. She ran into the Center Street Parking Lot and Cohen chased her, holding her at bay until police arrived.

"At this time the investigation is still active," Staffordsmith said. "The reason for the attack is unclear but we do not believe Cruz is affiliated with any organized hate or terrorist group."

Cruz has been charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and is being held at the Ocean County Jail.

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