Bayville Man Charged In Frederick Drive Stabbing

by Patricia A. Miller

Berkeley police have charged a Bayville man with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose following a stabbing Thursday night on Frederick Drive, a spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Alen Matthews, 58, was arrested after police responded to a 911 call at 8:14 p.m. reporting a man needed medical assistance at 34 Frederick Drive, spokesman Al Della Fave said.

Police officers found Frederick Bonkowski, 21, Bayville lying on the steps in front of the apartment suffering from multiple stab wounds. Berkeley police notified the Prosecutor's Office due to the severity of his wounds, Della Fave said.

Mathews, 58 was found in front of the residence with a stab wound to his right thigh and pointer finger.  The responding officers immediately rendered medical assistance to the two men.  Bonkowski was transported to Jersey Shore Medical center in Neptune for emergency surgery.  Mathews was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, DellaFave said.

Matthews' Bail was set at $100,000 cash.

Berkeley Township Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit are investigation. 

Berkeley Township Police Chief Karin DiMichele wants residents to know that there is no need for alarm.  This assault was an isolated event between two individuals known to each other.