Pleasantville Man Faces Five Years in Prison After Domestic Violence Incidents, 100 MPH Police Chase

Prosecutors say Michael Ciarla slashed his former girlfriend's tires, violated a court order and fled Brigantine police at speeds exceeding 100 mph.

MAYS LANDING, N.J. — A 33-year-old Pleasantville man has pleaded guilty to multiple criminal charges stemming from a series of domestic violence incidents involving his former girlfriend and a high-speed police pursuit that reached more than 100 mph on Atlantic Brigantine Boulevard.

Michael Ciarla pleaded guilty Thursday, October 22, before Superior Court Judge Joseph Levin to third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, fourth-degree contempt and second-degree eluding.

According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, the plea agreement calls for a five-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison.

The charges stem from three separate incidents in Galloway Township, Atlantic City and Brigantine between March and May 2026.

Police Say Ciarla Slashed Former Girlfriend's Tires

The first incident occurred March 4, 2026, when Galloway Township police responded to a report of criminal mischief at a TD Bank.

Officers met with a woman who reported seeing her former boyfriend, Ciarla, slashing the tires of her vehicle with a knife in the bank's parking lot.

According to prosecutors, Ciarla fled before officers arrived.

Following the incident, a court order was entered prohibiting him from contacting the woman.

However, authorities say the incidents involving the former couple continued.

Witnesses Reported Assault in Atlantic City

On May 7, Atlantic City police responded to the area of 3701 Sunset Avenue following a report of a domestic altercation involving the same woman.

Witnesses told officers they saw Ciarla striking the victim in the face while the two were inside a vehicle.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, Ciarla then exited the vehicle and smashed its rear windshield with an object.

He fled before police arrived.

The incident occurred after the court order prohibiting contact with the victim had been issued.

Police Pursuit Reaches More Than 100 MPH

Five days later, on May 12, Brigantine police officers spotted Ciarla driving along Atlantic Brigantine Boulevard.

Officers determined that an active warrant had been issued for his arrest.

Police activated their emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to stop his vehicle.

Instead of pulling over, prosecutors say Ciarla accelerated and fled.

During the pursuit, Ciarla reached speeds exceeding 100 mph, more than twice the posted speed limit on Atlantic Brigantine Boulevard.

The high-speed flight created a potentially dangerous situation along the roadway connecting Brigantine and Atlantic City.

Ciarla was subsequently located by Atlantic City police officers at Caesars in Atlantic City.

He was arrested and later ordered detained following a court hearing.

Sentencing Scheduled for December 1

Ciarla's guilty plea resolves charges involving unlawful weapon possession, violation of a court order and eluding police.

Under the negotiated agreement, he faces five years in state prison.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 2026, before Judge Levin.

Assistant Prosecutor Brooke Melissa Hoffner is representing the state.

The case involved investigations by the Galloway Township, Atlantic City and Brigantine police departments, with prosecution handled by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

The final sentence remains subject to the court's approval.

Victims of domestic violence can obtain confidential assistance through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788.