Toms River Police investigating possible gang related shooting
At around 11pm on Thursday night, Toms River Police officers responded to a shooting at the Hopes Crossing Community located off Cox Cro Road, near the Lakewood Township border.
“Toms River Police responded to a shots fire call a Hopes Crossing Community just before 11 p.m. on Thursday night.” Chief Mastronardy said ” Officers found a 19 year old Toms River man in front of an apartment on Tolerance court who was shot numerous times.”
The victim is from the Silverton section of the Township and was rushed by Toms River Police EMS to Jersey Shore Medical Center. A police investigation found that multiple shots were fired, many striking the victim and three that entered into three separate apartments and traveled through walls and cabinets. None of the occupants in the apartments were struck by bullets. Police also found a vehicle parked in the lot suffered damage as it was struck by two bullets.
Police are looking for an Hispanic male with short dark hair in his 20’s and 5’11 who was wearing a white shirt.
Ocean County Prosecutors and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department is assisting with the investigation. Captain Steve Henry coordinated the police response and police are investigating if the shooting is gang related. Toms River Police request anyone with information to call Detective Marc Bajada at 349-0150-ext 1241