Tussle Over Tool Lands Stafford Man In Jail

A spat over a borrowed tool leads to a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against a Stafford 50-year-old. And police say weapon of choice was even more ominous than the tool.

According to authorities, Paul Oswald had lent the item to an acquaintance on Lange Drive but it hadn't been returned. Upon reaching the house, say police, Oswald was told that it wasn't available. At that point, police say, Oswald became enraged, pulled out a stun gun and tried use it on the victim.

Oswald's adversary took hold of the weapon during the ensuing struggle, police say, and hit Oswald with it, at which point Oswald took off in a car.

Township police notified surrounding departments to be on the alert for Oswald's car. New Jersey State Troopers stationed in Tuckerton stopped him a short time later on Route 9. Oswald was also charged with driving while intoxicated and terroristic threats.

Oswald was placed in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, his bail initially set at $50,000.