Toms River Man's Family Seeks Community's Help After Assault

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River man who was seriously injured when he was punched during an argument on the 4th of July is facing several months of rehabilitation, and his family is seeking help with the medical bills they are facing.

Alan Stever, 56, is facing at least six months of rehabilitation, his daughter, Alexis Foerst, said Thursday. His injuries will likely keep him out of work much longer, she said.

Stever was injured during an argument that ensued on Hazelwood Road on the 4th of July.

Raziel Mancebo, 27, of Scotch Plains, has been charged with aggravated assault and simple assault, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Wednesday. Mancebo is accused of hitting Stever and Jason Durante, both of Toms River, during the fight. Stever was knocked down and hit his head on the ground, knocking him unconscious. He was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he is continuing to be treated, Foerst said.

Foerst, who set up a GoFundMe campaign, said the fight happened after a car with three people in it sped through the area where families were celebrating the holiday.

"Someone shouted for the car to slow down," Foerst wrote, and the car stopped, and the fight ensued.

Billhimer said police were called to Hazelwood Road and Cattus Island Boulevard about 9:15 p.m. Investigators learned a black BMW was driving north on Hazelwood Road "at a high rate of speed" and when it stopped at the stop sign at Cattus Island Boulevard, Durante, 50, approached the car.
Durante and the driver of the BMW, later identified as Mancebo, exchanged words, and that led to a fight, Billhimer said. Mancebo also became involved in a fight with Stever, and punched him. Stever fell and hit his head on the pavement, Billhimer said.

Foerst said her father is a heavy equipment operator but will be unable to work for an undetermined period of time. Her mother will be taking time off from work until Stever is moved to a rehabilitation center, she said.

"He is a hard worker, and provider for his family, and will now be unable to work for an unknown amount of time due to severe injuries," she wrote. "Our parents have lost all income resources and have mounting expenses resulting from the assault."

Foerst said the family also will need to make changes to their home to accommodate Stever's needs when he is able to return home, and is anticipating significant medical bills as well.

"This is a very difficult time for the entire family," Foerst wrote.

Mancebo, who was charged Monday, turned himself in to the Ocean County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday and is awaiting a detention hearing, Billhimer said.

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