Police: Man Sought In Toms River Hit-And Run

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police in Toms River are looking for a driver who they said fled the scene of an accident and then tried to run over an off-duty police officer.

Robert Dechert, 54, faces charges of attempted murder by vehicle and numerous motor vehicle violations, police said.

Around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, police said Dechert was driving east on Route 37 in Toms River when he hit another vehicle and fled the scene. The bumper and license plate from Dechert's car were left behind.

Seaside Heights Police Officer Erik Hershey, who was off-duty but in uniform, witnessed the crash and followed Dechert to a restaurant where he parked, police said.

When Hershey approached the car, police said Dechert accelerated rapidly at the officer and tried to hit him. Hershey was able to jump out of the way and Dechert fled the wrong way on Route 37, police said.

Dechert and his vehicle, a 2014 Kia, are still being sought.

Anyone with information is asked to call Traffic Officer Mark Nater at 732-349-0150.

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