Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on January 21, 2025, Anthony Brown, 20, of Toms River, pled guilty to Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose before the Honorable David M. Fritch, J.S.C., in connection with an incident that occurred on June 12, 2024, in Toms River. At the time of his sentencing on March 21, 2025, the State will be recommending four years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) as to the Aggravated Assault charge, and five years NJSP – with a 42 month period of parole ineligibility – as to the weapon offense. The sentences are to run concurrently.
On June 12, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to a residence on Adams Avenue for a report of shots having been fired. Responding Officers discovered a 24 year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to his leg. The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of his injuries; he was treated and subsequently released.
An ensuing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Toms River Township Police Department revealed that Brown retrieved a handgun from the subject residence and fired two shots at the victim’s vehicle, striking the victim. Brown then fled the scene.
A short time later, Brown was taken into custody in the vicinity of Adams Avenue without incident. Brown was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been detained since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Lynn Juan who is handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as 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 cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation, leading to Brown’s swift apprehension, guilty plea, and soon his state prison sentence.