2 Women Charged In Knife Attack After Belmar Parade: Police

BELMAR – Two women were charged this week in connection with a fight and knife attack that happened after the Belmar St. Patrick's Day Parade, police said.

Samantha Castro, 25, of Woodbridge and Jamie Hoke, 22, of Cliffwood Beach were arrested after the alleged attack, police said.

The incident happened at approximately 7:40 p.m. when the Belmar Police Department received a phone call about a fight at the Belmar Train Station, police said.

The caller said the altercation had ended and the accused women were attempting to leave the scene on foot, police said.

Belmar Police Officers arrived quickly and were able to locate the 27-year-old victim, who had sustained a severe laceration to her face from a sharp-edged object, police said.

The woman was treated on location and brought to Jersey Shore Medical Center for further evaluation, police said.

A perimeter was set up and, with the assistance of witness statements, a detailed description of the women was broadcasted to patrols, police said.

Two women matching the description and covered in blood were located shortly after on Route 35. It was determined that these women, identified as Castro and Hoke, were responsible for the assault and were arrested, police said.

Hoke had a severe laceration to her hand, which appeared to be from a sharp-edged object. She was treated by Belmar First Aid and transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center, police said.

Castro was transported to police headquarters and placed in a holding cell. A knife was not located on either Hoke or Castro at the time of apprehension.

The investigation continued, and police discovered the path the two women followed when they left the area following the fight, police said. A search was set up and conducted by multiple officers and detectives.

A large folding knife was eventually located hidden under mulch along the wall of the Belmar Motor Lodge. This knife was later determined to be the same knife used in this assault, police said.

Hoke was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon and tampering with evidence. Hoke was transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution in lieu of bail.

Castro was charged with aggravated assault and released on a criminal summons.