Man Arrested for Allegedly Chasing Girlfriend, Neighbor With Chain and Meat Cleaver

NORTH CAPE MAY – Lower Township Police Officers responded to the Villa Woods Apartment Complex located at 3311 Bayshore Road in North Cape May to investigate a physical altercation that was taking place outside of an apartment in the A Building Feb. 23 at approximately 6 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers encountered John B. Zagiel III, 28, who resides in the apartment complex. When questioned by police, Zagiel claimed to have been involved in an argument with another man who also resides at the Villa Woods Apartment Complex.
Police investigation revealed Zagiel had allegedly been involved in a physical altercation with his girlfriend when a male neighbor intervened. Upon the neighbor’s intervention, Zagiel went back into his apartment and returned with a 4-foot, metal chain and a meat cleaver. Brandishing the weapons, he chased after his girlfriend and the neighbor who locked themselves in a vehicle until officers arrived.
Officers recovered a 4-foot, metal chain and a meat cleaver with a 9-inch blade from the scene. Zagiel was taken into custody and charged with second degree aggravated assault, second degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, fourth degree possession of a weapon and simple assault. Bail in the amount of $52,500 full cash was set by Judge Thomas Hillegass. In default, Zagiel was transported to the Cape May County Correctional Center. This investigation was conducted by Patrolman Michael Iames, Patrolman Louis Bartleson and Patrolwoman Kaitlin Black.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.