Story by Ethan
On October 28th, 2024, charges against Patrick J. O’Kane, age 45, were announced by Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Mount Olive Police Chief Michael Spitzer. Patrick J. O’Kane was charged with second-degree Aggravated Assault-Strangulation, second-degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, fourth-degree Aggravated Assault- Pointing a Firearm, third-degree Terroristic Threats, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (knife), fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (knife), third-degree Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, third-degree Aggravated Assault on a Domestic Violence Victim, and Disorderly Persons offense Simple Assault.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll stated, “Domestic violence is a serious crime. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to holding the perpetrators of domestic violence, especially those that involve physical violence and the use of a firearm or weapon, accountable under the law. I commend the law enforcement officers who responded. Through the skillful use of police de-escalation techniques, they were able to safely arrest the defendant, who had assaulted the victim with a knife and pointed a firearm while threatening to kill the victim.”
According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, on October 5th, 2024, Patrick J. O’Kane was traveling with the victim and a photographer to take pictures at a local campground. Allegedly, the victim received a text that led into an argument, which subsequently elevated to a physical altercation. During the assault, Patrick J. O’Kane used a knife to cut the victim as he was strangling her. The defendant then pointed a firearm at the victim while threatening to kill her.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the charges against Patrick J. O’Kane are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
