Man Charged with Aggravated Assault After Allegedly Stabbing Woman’s Hand with Meat Cleaver

WILDWOOD – Members of the Wildwood Police Department Uniform Patrol Division responded to the 100 block of East Andrews Avenue, Wildwood, in connection to a report of a stabbing Tuesday, March 3 at approximately 2 p.m.
Upon arrival of the police officers on scene, it was ascertained that the victim, identified as Brenda Figueroa, 53, who currently resides in the City of Wildwood, sustained a 3-inch laceration to the back portion of her left hand. Figueroa was treated and transported to Cape Regional Medical Center by Wildwood Fire/Rescue, and her current condition and status is currently being evaluated by medical personnel.
During developing investigation by members of the Wildwood Police Department Detective Division, an individual identified as Anthony Torella, 59, currently residing in the City of Wildwood, was arrested in connection to the aggravated assault. Additionally, during the investigation, a court authorized search warrant was executed at the crime scene, resulting in the seizure of a meat cleaver with an 8-inch blade which was identified as the weapon used in the assault.
As a result of the investigation Torella was charged with the following criminal offenses; aggravated assault (a crime of the second degree), possession of an unlawful weapon (a crime of the fourth degree), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (crime of the third degree) and certain persons not to possess a weapon (a crime of the fourth degree). Dorothy Garrabrant, judge of the Wildwood Municipal Court set bail at $100,000.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.