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Man Charged with Murder Sought After Fatal Wawa Shooting in Toms River
By Drooid · · How we work
Fatal Shooting at Wawa Parking Lot
On September 18, officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to a report of a gunshot wound at the Wawa convenience store at the corner of Route 37 and Garfield Avenue in Toms River, New Jersey. They found 42-year-old resident Bruce Gress with a gunshot wound to the head. First responders transported Gress to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators identified Douglas Cobb, 51, also known as Douglas Green and nicknamed “Bootknock,” as the suspect. A black 2016 Acura MDX bearing New Jersey license plate T93YJL was seen leaving the scene and has been linked to the investigation. Cobb remains at large; a warrant for his arrest has been entered into the National Crime Information Center database, and local, county and federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, are assisting in the search.
Investigation and Charges
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, together with the Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, have charged Cobb with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and being a prohibited person in possession of a weapon. The charges are accusations, and Cobb is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer praised the collaborative effort of the involved agencies and emphasized that locating Cobb is the top priority. He urged members of the public who have information about Cobb’s whereabouts to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit at 732-929-2027 or the Toms River Township Police Department at 732-349-0150 and to encourage Cobb to surrender peacefully.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our focus now is to locate Douglas Cobb and bring him into custody,” — Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer
- “Great teamwork has been exhibited by all of the respective law enforcement agencies and officers involved in this investigation,” — Prosecutor Billhimer
- “We ask anyone that knows Cobb to advise him to turn himself in peacefully,” — Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer
How the Public Can Help
Authorities have asked anyone with credible information to call the same tip lines listed above. The investigation remains active, and law-enforcement officials continue to seek Cobb’s voluntary surrender.