Manchester Pair Charged In Assault, Lumber Theft

MANCHESTER, NJ — Two people who were wanted in connection with a lumber theft in Manchester are being held in jail on charges of assaulting a person, Manchester police said Thursday.

Joseph DePietro, 67, and Erzsebet Gyulai, 57, both of Manchester, were arrested Tuesday, Lt. Vincent Manco said.

The assault happened June 18 at a Robin Street home in Cedar Glen West, Manco said. Police were called at 8:20 p.m. and found a 63-year-old resident with numerous head and facial injuries, he said. The resident was treated by Manchester Township EMS and taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for further treatment, Manco said.

DePietro and Gyulai were identified as the assailants due to information from what Manco said was numerous witnesses who identified two people sought in a lumber theft from surveillance photos published on the Manchester police department's social media pages. Read more: Manchester Police Seek Pair In Lumber Theft

DePietro and Gyulai have been charged with simple assault, burglary, terroristic threats, criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit crimes, and three counts of possession of weapons for unlawful purposes, Manco said.

Detective Adam Emmons and Detective Joseph Fastige made the arrests.

Also assisting in the investigation were detectives from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

Manco said the police department "would like to thank everyone who assisted in the investigation, especially the township residents who did not hesitate to help a victim in need."

Anyone with information with information or tips relating to any investigation or crime is encouraged to contact the Manchester Township Police Department at 732-657-6111. Anonymous tips can be submitted online at www.manchesterpolicenj.com. Tips may also be submitted through private messages on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok).

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