AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
Press Release Franklin Township Police Department (Gloucester County)
On Monday (8/22) Franklin Township Police officers responded to the Liberty Bell Motel on Harding Highway, Franklin Township for a report of an aggravated assault. Upon arrival officers met with the victim who had visible signs of injury on and around her neck. The suspect, Joseph McDonnell age 44, fled into a wooded area before police arrived. While on the scene, the suspects girlfriend advised police that she was also strangled and struck with a pipe by McDonnell prior to him fleeing the area. Officers from Franklin Township K9, Monroe Township K9 and New Jersey State Police K9 began searching the area with assistance from the NJSP Aviation Unit. McDonnell was located and surrendered in the wooded area and was taken into custody without incident. McDonnell was charged with 2nd Degree aggravated assault and 3rd degree theft stemming from the motel. He was additionally charged with Domestic Violence strangulation, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and simple assault. He is currently lodged at the Salem County Correctional Facility.