Crime & Safety

Man Who Allegedly Did Manasquan 'Grand Theft Auto' Rage Was Prolific Wrestler

Above is an NJ.com video of Lukas Iorio when he defeated Kevin Hoegler of Christian Brothers in 2012. The bout was part of the NJSIAA Team Championship semi-finals held in Toms River, with both wrestlers at the 182-pound level, according to NJ.com.

Lukas Iorio was a prolific wrestler who allegedly took his grappling skills to a scary level this past weekend when he carjacked a cart operated by police in Manasquan.

Manasquan-Belmar Patch broke the story on Wednesday.

Above is a video of Iorio when he defeated Kevin Hoegler of Christian Brothers in 2012. The bout was part of the NJSIAA Team Championship semi finals held in Toms River, with both wrestler at the 182-pound level, according to NJ.com.

Iorio was charged with carjacking after he stole a police-operated cart, swerved to hit people and then punched a 72-year-old man at the Manasquan beach, police said.

Iorio, of Ridgefield Park, was charged with carjacking, burglary, resisting arrest, assault by auto and criminal mischief, police said.

Iorio was a star wrestler who won regional and district titles as a senior at 182 pounds, according to the Gettysburg College website. He placed eighth at the state tournament at 182 pounds in 2012, according to the site.

“It’s almost like he was role-playing, in, like, ‘Grand Theft Auto', with the way he took control of the vehicle –- drove down the beachwalk aiming at people and hitting at least one person, crashing the vehicle,” Manasquan Police Chief Elliott A. Correia was quoted as saying in The Huffington Post.

Find out what's happening in Manasquan-Belmarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Correia provided the following account:

At approximately 8:40 p.m., Thomas Hall and Michael Smith of the Manasquan Beach Patrol were patrolling the beach walk heading south in the area of 401 Beachfront when they were approached by accused.

Find out what's happening in Manasquan-Belmarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The two were operating a golf-cart-type vehicle belonging to the Manasquan Beach Department when they allegedly confronted Iorio.

Police and other witnesses said Iorio jumped feet first at the front of the cart, kicked out the plastic windshield and landed in the front seat of the cart.  The accused then allegedly assaulted both and forced them out of the cart. 

Once in control of the cart, Iorio then allegedly headed south towards the Manasquan Inlet, speeding and swerving at pedestrians on the beach walk.  A 49-year old man who twice tried to avoid the cart was struck and injured as the cart passed him. 

When he reached the end of the beach walk at Riverside Drive, Iorio allegedly crashed the cart into the inlet gazebo and then ran from the cart to the bicycle racks, where he apparently attempted to steal a bicycle.

While at the bike racks, the accused was approached by a 53-year old man who attempted to calm him and see if he was okay. Iorio then allegedly assaulted the man by punching him in the back of the head and then fled on foot. 

Ioio reportedly next ran to the backyard of a nearby Beachfront residence and entered the home through an unlocked back door, confronting the occupants inside.  During the confrontation, Iorio allegedly repeatedly punched a 72-year old man in the face and head. 

Iorio was eventually subdued in the house by several family members and the two members of the Beach Patrol who had arrived at the residence in pursuit of the accused.  Upon the arrival of Manasquan Special Officer Mark McGowan, the accused was handcuffed and taken into custody assisted by Patrolman Nicholas Norcia. 

At the scene, the Manasquan First Squad treated five persons injured as a result of the accused’s initial actions and during the confrontation with him in the residence.  One individual later sought further treatment at a medical facility.      

A bail amount totaling $341,000.00 was set by Superior Court Judge Kathleen A. Sheedy. The accused was remanded to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold, in lieu of bail. 

The accused was also charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury.

Iorio is scheduled for an initial court appearance in Manasquan Municipal Court on June 4, 2014 at 9 a.m. before Judge Paul Capatorto.

At Bergen Catholic, Iorio finished senior season with a record of 38-11, and helped lead the Crusaders to league, sectional, district, and state titles in 2012. He was the team captain, according to the site.

The Gettysburg site identifies him as a member of the college's wrestling team in 2012-13.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.