Police: Man who struck girlfriend with truck, then fled apprehended

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (WPVI) -- Police in Toms River, New Jersey have apprehended the man who they say struck his girlfriend with his truck three times at a gas station then fled.

44-year-old James Crudup has been charged with attempted murder as well as numerous motor vehicle violations.

After being on the lam for several hours, police finally caught up with him around 7:00 p.m. Sunday and he was taken into custody.

The incident started around 12:33 a.m. Sunday,when police were called to the Hess gas station at 58 Route 27 East for the initial report of a car crash.

Authorities say Crudup and his 35-year-old girlfriend had pulled into the Hess parking lot and exited their truck.

Police say they started arguing.

According to police, Crudup threw his girlfriend to the ground and choked her.

The woman got up and ran towards the gas pumps.

Crudup entered his truck, put it in reverse, and drove towards her.

Police say a gas station attendant tried to push the woman out of the way, however, the vehicle still struck her leaving her pinned between the bumper and the gas pump.

Crudup backed up, but then police say he drove back over her legs as she was lying on the ground.

He again backed away but drove at her once more, striking her a third time before fleeing West on Route 37.

The woman was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center. Her injuries are said to be non-life-threatening.

Crudup's bail was set at $500,000.