Have You Seen This Assault Suspect Wanted in Toms River?

Be on the lookout for a Pennsylvania 55-year-old who's on the run from Toms River police following a Tuesday fight in a Route 37 parking lot and, according to authorities, nearly running down an officer with his car.

Joseph Lynch of Levittown, PA, is charged with aggravated assault, eluding and a raft of traffic violations if he's found and captured. His bail is set at $100,000 once he's in a cell.

Police responding to several 911 calls around 4:00 PM say they found Lynch involved in a dustup, at which point Lynch clambered into his 1999 silver Pontiac Grand Am and sped off on the westbound highway.

On the way out, police say, he nearly hit Sergeant Scott Moeller and a patrol car with his own vehicle. Chief Mike Mastronardy says that only the Sergeant's quick reflexes in jumping out of the car's path prevented him from being run over.

Minutes after local police stopped their pursuit at Washington Street, police say, Lynch was involved in a crash at Bay Ridge that left a 73-year-old Ortley Beach woman with minor injuries. His car was still operable and he was last seen barrelling west on the highway.

Chief Mike Mastronardy says the car has Pennsylvania license plates, HJH-9227. If you spot the car, call Toms River police headquarters, 732-349-0150.