Man indicted for assault, eluding police FREEHOLD - A Monmouth County grand jury returned an indictment April 9, charging a Brick Township man with various crimes stemming from a December 2007 incident that occurred in Brick Township and involved police in Middletown, Holmdel and Tinton Falls. Christopher J. Fasano, 46, of Brick Township, was charged with seconddegree burglary, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fourth-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, fourthdegree unlawful possession of a weapon, and two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, according to a press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. The incident resulted in the hospitalization of Fasano's ex-wife and their 10- year-old son. In addition, the indictment charges Fasano with second-degree eluding, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. These additional charges result from a police pursuit that occurred later the same night. On Dec. 9, Brick Township police officers responded to a residence on a report of a domestic violence incident. When officers arrived, they found Fasano's ex-wife and 10-year-old son both suffering from stab wounds, according to the Prosecutor's Office. The ensuing investigation revealed that earlier that night, Fasano drove two of his children home to their mother's house in Brick Township after the children had spent the weekend with him. Approximately one hour after he dropped the children off, Fasano returned to the house with a knife. Fasano then attacked and injured his former spouse, authorities said in the press release. During the attack, Fasano's 10-year-old son was injured while he attempted to protect his mother. Fasano fled the area prior to the arrival of the Brick Township Police Department. Both victims were transported by Brick Township Emergency Medical Services to Brick Hospital. Fasano's exwife underwent surgery for lacerations to her hands and was also treated for a cut to her face. Fasano's son was treated for a laceration to his hand. A subsequent investigation conducted by the Brick Township Police Department revealed that Fasano was in the Middletown Township area. TheMiddletown and surrounding police departments were asked to be on the lookout for him. Later that night, a Holmdel police officer observed Fasano driving through that township. The officer attempted to stop Fasano, but he fled, authorities said. After a chase, Fasano forced the officer's vehicle off the road, ramming the vehicle several times and causing the vehicle to become disabled. As a result of the collision, the officer suffered a head injury and sprained neck and was later transported to RiverviewMedical Center in Red Bank. Fasano fled the scene and abandoned his vehicle elsewhere in Tinton Falls, according to the press release.Members of the Tinton Falls Police Department ultimately arrested Fasano the following day. If convicted, Fasano faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of up to 10 years on the second-degree burglary charge and on each count of second-degree aggravated assault. The second-degree burglary charge and the second-degree aggravated assault charges are subject to the No Early Release Act, which means that Fasano must serve 85 percent of any sentence imposed prior to becoming eligible for parole, according to the Prosecutor's Office. In addition, if convicted of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child or second-degree eluding, Fasano potentially faces a further sentence of up to 10 years on each count. Fasano faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of five years if convicted of third-degree aggravated assault or third degree possession of aweapon for an unlawful purpose. If convicted of fourth-degree aggravated assault or fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, the maximum potential custodial sentence is up to 18 months. The next court proceeding will be an arraignment, the formal presentation of the indictment to the defendant. The arraignment will be scheduled within 45 days before state Superior Court Judge Paul F. Chaiet. Fasano remains incarcerated at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold Township, in lieu of $300,000 bail. Despite these charges, prosecutors said, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all the rights guaranteed by theUnited States Constitution and the laws of the state of New Jersey.