Thanksgiving night in Jackson, New Jersey, took a harrowing turn after a violent stabbing at the Paragon Apartments left a young woman severely injured and launched a multi-town police search that ended with the suspect in custody the following day. The incident, which unfolded at 11:36 p.m. on November 28, 2025, has shaken the normally quiet Ocean County community, with authorities now piecing together the series of events that led to the arrest of 20-year-old Jaden Thompson.
According to statements from Jackson Township Police, officers were dispatched to the Paragon Apartments at 1020 Larsen Road after receiving a report that a woman had been stabbed in the abdomen by a male assailant. Upon arrival, they found the victim, a 20-year-old woman, lying on the floor of the apartment. She was being attended to by a family member, who immediately identified the suspect as Jaden Thompson. Police Lieutenant Fred Meabe confirmed that the family member told officers, "Thompson had stabbed the woman."
As officers rendered first aid to the victim, who was described as severely injured, additional police units began searching the area for Thompson. It quickly became apparent that he had fled the scene in a black 2012 Nissan Altima, bearing New Jersey license plates SUV51A. The urgency of the search was palpable, as police issued an alert stating that Thompson "has yet to be located and is being actively sought after by the Jackson Police Department for Attempted Murder in the 1st degree, amongst other criminal charges."
The news of the stabbing and the ensuing manhunt spread rapidly, with Jackson Township Police turning to social media to seek the public’s assistance. According to Patch, a notice was posted on Facebook requesting any information about Thompson’s whereabouts. The online alert proved effective—within about an hour of the post, authorities had a lead on Thompson's location.
Investigators soon tracked Thompson to Edison, New Jersey, roughly an hour’s drive from the scene of the crime. Jackson Police Chief Matthew Kunz recounted the dramatic conclusion to the search: Thompson was spotted driving his black Nissan Altima, and when officers attempted to apprehend him, he led them on a brief but tense vehicle pursuit. The chase ended abruptly when Thompson crashed his car. Not one to give up easily, he tried to escape on foot, but Edison police officers quickly apprehended him and took him into custody.
Once arrested, Thompson was transported to Jackson police headquarters, where he was formally charged with attempted murder. Police indicated that additional charges would be forthcoming as their investigation continued. The swift apprehension of the suspect brought a measure of relief to the community, but questions lingered about the motive and circumstances that led to the attack.
Throughout the ordeal, the focus remained on the wellbeing of the victim. When officers arrived at the apartment, they found her in critical condition, having suffered a stab wound to the abdomen. The quick response from both the family member and the officers likely played a crucial role in stabilizing her before emergency medical services arrived. As of the last official update, the woman’s condition was described as severely injured, but further details about her recovery have not been released.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of concern from local residents, many of whom were shocked to learn of such violence occurring on a holiday meant for gratitude and togetherness. The Paragon Apartments, typically regarded as a safe residential complex, became the focal point of a police investigation that drew attention from across Ocean County and beyond.
Lt. Fred Meabe and Chief Kunz both emphasized the collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies that led to Thompson’s capture. The involvement of Edison police, who ultimately apprehended the suspect after his attempted escape, underscored the importance of interdepartmental cooperation in serious criminal cases. The Jackson Township Police Department also credited the public for their swift response to the Facebook alert, which they believe played a key role in tracking down Thompson so quickly.
According to the Daily Voice, police reiterated their commitment to pursuing justice in the case and encouraged anyone with additional information to contact Jackson Detective Eric Fricks at [email protected] or the Jackson Police Department at 732-928-1111. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine if there were any prior incidents or warning signs that could shed light on the motive behind the attack.
For the broader Jackson community, the Thanksgiving stabbing serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the importance of vigilance, even in familiar surroundings. The events of November 28 have left residents grappling with a mix of relief at the suspect’s capture and concern for the victim’s recovery.
Jackson Township officials have assured the public that they are taking the incident seriously and are reviewing safety protocols at residential complexes like the Paragon Apartments. While violent crime remains relatively rare in the area, the high-profile nature of this case has prompted renewed discussions about community safety and the resources available to both victims and law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge about the relationship between Thompson and the victim, as well as any potential history of conflict. For now, the focus remains on supporting the victim and ensuring that justice is served. The Jackson Police Department has pledged to provide updates as the case develops and to keep the community informed every step of the way.
For those affected by the incident, the hope is that the swift resolution of the manhunt and the dedication of law enforcement will help restore a sense of security. The events of Thanksgiving night have left an indelible mark on the community, but they have also showcased the resilience and cooperation that can arise in the face of tragedy.
As Ocean County reflects on this unsettling episode, the message from authorities is clear: vigilance, community engagement, and prompt action are critical in responding to and preventing violent crime. With the suspect now in custody and the investigation moving forward, residents are watching closely, hoping for answers—and for healing.
