Full Notification

Middle Township, NJ – On March 23, 2026, at approximately 5:11 p.m., officers from the Middle Township Police Department were dispatched to Route 9 in the area of the Beach House Motel in Rio Grande, New Jersey, in response to a reported stabbing.

Upon arrival, officers located a 40-year-old male from South River, New Jersey, who had sustained significant injuries as the result of an apparent knife assault. Officers rendered immediate aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The victim was subsequently transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division, in Atlantic City for treatment.

An investigation conducted by the Middle Township Police Department, Major Crimes Unit, in coordination with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Major Crimes Unit, revealed that the victim was standing in front of the Beach House Motel when the accused, identified as Daniel Thomas, 35, of Cape May, New Jersey, arrived at the scene in a vehicle. Thomas allegedly exited the vehicle armed with a knife and approached the victim, stabbing him multiple times.

The victim attempted to flee the area; however, Thomas allegedly pursued him across Route 9 into a nearby parking lot, where the assault continued. Thomas then fled the scene in his vehicle.

Through continued investigative efforts, members of the Major Crimes Unit, working in conjunction with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, located Thomas and took him into custody without incident.
As a result of the investigation, Thomas has been charged with the following offenses:

• Criminal Attempt (Murder) – 2C:5-1a(1), 1st Degree Crime
• Aggravated Assault – 2C:12-1b(1), 2nd Degree Crime
• Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose – 2C:39-4d, 3rd Degree Crime
• Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – 2C:39-5d, 4th Degree Crime
• Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons – 2C:39-7a, 4th Degree Crime

Thomas was processed and lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings.

The investigation further determined that the victim and Thomas were known to one another, and that the incident was not random in nature. At this time, there is no ongoing threat to the public.

It is advised that a person convicted of a first-degree crime is subject to a term of imprisonment ranging from 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison.

Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Middle Township Police Department at 609-465-8704, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135, or to submit tips anonymously through the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office website at cmcpo.tips.

The charges and accusations contained in this press release are merely allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.