Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 19, 2023, at approximately 6:50 p.m., Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department and Manchester Township Fire Departments were dispatched to a reported structure fire on Heron Street. First Responders were able to rescue a female victim from the fire. The victim was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, and is currently listed in critical condition. During the primary search of the residence, the body of a deceased female was discovered. The decedent’s body was transported to Community Medical Center for a post mortem examination and identification. Three Manchester Township Police Officers were transported to Community Medical Center where they were treated for smoke inhalation and released.
The origin and cause of the fire are currently under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Manchester Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Additional information will be released to the public as it becomes available.