Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that 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 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 the 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 individual then fled the area in what is believed to be a gray sedan.
“This appears to be a targeted shooting, and there is no known danger to the public at this time,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “This incident is currently under 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. Anyone in possession of information concerning this investigation is urged to contact Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant Denis Mitchell at 732-929-2027, extension 2746. This investigation is active and ongoing, more information will be released at the appropriate time,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.