Jackson pair sought for Monday assault and burglary

JACKSON - A manhunt begins for two suspects who allegedly barged into a house in the township and attacked two people inside it Monday, leaving a trail of damage behind them.

George T. Ketcham, 31, whose last known address was on Anthony Way in Jackson, and Jacob C. Ketcham, 25, with a last known address on Lewis Lane in the township, face charges of burglary, theft, criminal mischief, simple assault, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Bail for each is set at a full $50,000.

Police, fielding a call at about 5:30 PM from the house on Vath Street, established on arrival that the resident knew the Ketchams. He told police that they entered, uninvited and unannounced, and assaulted him, forcing him to escape through a window.

A second man in the house clambered into his car to try to leave, police said, but one of the attackers yelled that he took the keys from it.

The Ketchams allegedly then chased the second individual, brandishing tools from the garage, which they used to damage the car windows before leaving.

George Ketcham also has an active, no-bail warrant issued by Ocean County authorities, police said.

Anyone with information that can help the probe is urged to call Jackson PD, 732-928-1111. Officers Ted Kucowski and Greg Schmidt, Detective Robert Reiff and Detective Sergeant Frank Mendez are assigned to the probe.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.