Full Breakdown
Fatal Shooting at Toms River Wawa Parking Lot
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Event Details
Around 7:20 a.m. on Friday, a man was shot in the head and killed in the parking lot of a Wawa convenience store located at the intersection of Route 37 and Garfield Avenue in Toms River, New Jersey. Police say the victim was the driver of a black pickup truck; the shooter fled the scene. Authorities are searching for a suspect they believe was driving a black Acura with front-end damage. The victim was air-lifted to a hospital but did not survive. Police have asked the public to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit (732-929-2027) or the Toms River Township Police Department (732-349-0150) with any information.
Official Statements & Responses
37 E and will cooperate fully with investigators. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer urged anyone with tips to call the Major Crime Unit.
On-the-Ground Reports
Gail Koehler, a local resident, reported hearing no gunshots and described the scene as resembling a movie set, noting the “massive amount of police cars.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I didn’t hear any gunshots. Neither did my neighbors,” — Garfield Avenue. Gail Koehler
- “He said it looked like a movie was being filmed. Every police car and unmarked car was there,” — Garfield Avenue. Gail Koehler
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to canvass the area and review surveillance footage. The search for the suspect in the black Acura remains active, and investigators have not released a motive. The case is being handled by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit in coordination with Toms River police.