Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 26, 2026, a juvenile suspect has been charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, all in connection with an incident that occurred in Toms River on March 25, 2026.
On March 25, 2026, at approximately 8:10 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to the Ocean County Mall on Hooper Avenue for a report of a male victim having sustained a gunshot wound. Responding Officers discovered a 17-year-old male victim with a single gunshot wound to his face. The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune where he is listed in stable condition.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that the victim was sitting in the common area of the Ocean County Mall when he was confronted by an individual who attempted to start an altercation. As that individual began to walk away from the victim, he turned and fired multiple gunshots in the victim’s direction – with one of the shots striking the victim’s face. The shooter then fled the area.
Continuing investigation has revealed that a juvenile suspect was responsible for the shooting. That juvenile has been taken into custody and is currently being detained in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.
N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-60 precludes the release of additional information regarding juveniles charged with acts of delinquency.
“Officers and detectives involved in this investigation acted with urgency and professionalism to bring this disturbing incident to a swift resolution. This was a senseless act of violence that has no place in our civilized society. This behavior will not be tolerated here in Ocean County,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined and collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to this juvenile suspect being taken into custody.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).