Toms River Police investigating shooting at Hopes Crossing

A gunman shot and wounded an 18 year old man on Thursday night and police are seeking witnesses and trying to piece together the events that led to the man being rushed to the hospital after being shot 7 times.  “Toms River Police continue to investigate a shooting incident that occurred just before 11 p.m. on Thursday night in the Hopes Crossing Community in the Peasant Plains section of the Township.”  said Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy “For safety reasons police decline to release the identity of the 18 year old who was rushed to Jersey Shore medical center by Toms River Police EMS.  The victim underwent surgery last night and reportedly is in stable condition after he was struck seven times.  He sustained wounds to his hand, legs and back.”

Ocean County sheriff’s Department Criminalistics unit recovered numerous bullet casings from two different caliber weapons while processing the scene.  Three apartments received damage as a result of stray  bullets that went through walls.  “Other than the victim no other no other people were injured as a result of the shooting.” Mastronardy said “Two vehicles parked in the parking lot were also struck by stray bullets.”

At this point in the investigation police say they believe there was an altercation with a group n people in a parking lot in the complex and at least one suspect started firing a gun at the victim who began to run for cover.  The Ocean County Prosecutors Office and Sheriffs Department are working the Toms River Police in the investigation.  Police went door to door in the complex attempting to locate any witnesses to the incident . Residents were assured that they can provide information confidentially.  Anyone with information can call Detective Marc Bajada at 349-0150 ext 1242.

Posted by Ocean County News on Jul 30 2011. Filed under Headline News, Police Blotter. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.