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Acid Attack Leaves N.J. Man In Hospital

COLTS NECK, N.J. (CBS 2) -- A man pulled up to his million-dollar home on Tuesday night only to be attacked with acid.

As CBS 2's Tony Aiello reports, police don't think it was a random crime, but what could the motive be?

On the driveway where the attack took place a strip was used by a Hazmat team to test for acid after someone ambushed 48-year-old Brett Golkin as he returned to his 5,000 square foot home.

Someone threw a liquid chemical at him.

"Mr. Golkin exited his vehicle and was immediately attacked," Colts Neck Police Department Sgt. Joseph Whitehead. "We believe it was acid. It caused severe burns to his body. He was subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Livingston."

Colts Neck police said the acid burns were significant, but not life threatening.

After the acid attack, police said Golkin ran into the house and jumped into the shower to try to wash off what he could.

It's the second time this year Golkin has been in the news.

Back in March his East Brunswick used car dealership went bust after Golkin and a partner were accused of stealing a half-million dollars from more than 30 customers and investors.

So, eight months after he was arrested, Golkin is attacked. The obvious question is was someone he allegedly ripped off seeking revenge?

The owner of a nearby business said he has known Golkin for years.

"Seemed like a nice guy. It's unbelievable someone would do something like that to him, over money," John Mezzino said.

"We believe the attack was not random," Sgt. Whitehead said.

But that's all the police would say about a possible motive.

No one answered the door at Golkin's home on Wednesday. Police are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious Tuesday night to get in touch.

The victim told police the attacker said nothing before throwing the liquid. Cops said Golkin was able to give just a vague description of a man in a grey hooded sweatshirt.

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