Stafford Township, NJ – On May 15, 2025, at approximately 4:55 P.M., officers from the Stafford Township Police Department arrested George Rutz, a 50-year-old resident of Compass Court in Manahawkin, NJ, following an assault incident involving an elderly victim.

The incident occurred when an 81-year-old male, also from Manahawkin, arrived at a residence on Compass Court to retrieve mail. While at the location, the victim was confronted by Mr. Rutz and was subsequently assaulted by him. As a result of the assault, the victim sustained a head injury and lost consciousness. Emergency medical services responded and the victim was transported to the Atlantic City Trauma Center for treatment of his injuries. Rutz was taken into custody and transported to police headquarters where he was charged with 2nd Degree Aggravated Assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)(1)) on a criminal complaint warrant.  Rutz was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail awaiting a hearing in Ocean County Superior Court. Patrolman Russell Okinsky was the arresting officer. 

 As a reminder, the Stafford Township Police Department does not release arrest photos of defendants. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.