A Toms River man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault following a road rage incident in Lakewood on Friday afternoon that left another driver injured and briefly unconscious, police said.

Lakewood Police officers responded at approximately 3:30 p.m. on August 14 to the area of New Hampshire Avenue and Chestnut Street following reports of a motor vehicle crash and assault.

According to police, an investigation determined that a road rage confrontation between two drivers escalated into a two-vehicle crash. Following the collision, one of the drivers confronted the other and allegedly slammed the victim’s face into the side of a vehicle before striking him, causing him to lose consciousness.

The victim suffered a small laceration and was transported to an area hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Police identified the suspect as Thomas Vance, 39, of Toms River. He was taken into custody and charged with Aggravated Assault before being transported to the Ocean County Jail pending further court proceedings.

“Road rage incidents can escalate very quickly and have serious consequences,” Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer said. “We ask motorists to remain calm, avoid engaging with aggressive drivers, and contact law enforcement if they feel threatened or unsafe. No disagreement on the roadway is worth someone getting hurt or ending up in jail.”

The incident remains under investigation by the Lakewood Police Department.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.