Lodi New Jersey police are asking for the public’s help as they investigate a violent assault involving a meat cleaver.

According to authorities, the suspect got into a verbal dispute with a co-worker at a restaurant in Lodi, NJ. At some point during the altercation, the suspect allegedly became enraged and grabbed a meat clear. The suspect then allegedly hit the victim with the meat cleaver.

Another restaurant employee tried to intervene and was subsequently struck by the weapon.

Both victims later required emergency medical treatment and hospitalization after they sustained serious injuries during the attack.

The suspect is a 40-year-old male from New York. Authorities in NY and NJ have been searching for the suspect since the alleged assault last month, but police have been unable to find him.

If the suspect is eventually apprehended, he will be subject to very serious criminal charges for aggravated assault. Since the suspect allegedly used a deadly weapon to commit the assaults, he will face severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon like a handgun or a knife is a third degree felony. A conviction on third degree aggravated assault charges could lead to a sentence of 3-5 years in New Jersey State Prison.

Anyone who has information about the suspect’s whereabouts should call Lodi investigators at 973-473-7600.

For additional information about this case, read the NJ.com article, “Restaurant Worker in Alleged Meat Cleaver Attack Sought by Police.”