Cape May County Man Arrested For Allegedly Chasing Girlfriend, Neighbor With Meat Cleaver

CAPE MAY, NJ (CBS) – Police say a Cape May County man has been arrested after threatening his girlfriend with a meat cleaver.

On Feb. 23rd around 6 p.m., Lower Township Police responded to reports of a physical altercation at the Villa Woods Apartment Complex at 3311 Bayshore Road in North Cape May.

When the officers arrived, they encountered John B. Zagiel III, 28, who claimed he'd been involved in an argument with another man who also lived in the complex.

An ensuing investigation revealed Zagiel had been involved in a physical fight with his girlfriend when a male neighbor attempted to intervene.

At that point, Zagiel reportedly went back inside his apartment and returned with a four-foot metal chain and a meat cleaver.

Zagiel then brandished the weapons and chased his girlfriend and the neighbor, who were able to lock themselves in a vehicle until police arrived.

Police recovered the chain and a meat cleaver with a nine-inch blade from the scene.

Zagiel was arrested and charged with 2nd degree Aggravated Assault, 2nd Degree Possession of a weapon for Unlawful Purposes, 4th degree possession of a weapon and simple assault.