Suspect in Custody After Shooting Near Stockton Campus

A 3-hour shelter-in-place order at Stockton University was lifted just after 4 pm Thursday without harm to anyone on the campus.

The order was prompted by an off-campus road rage incident. A suspect was taken into custody on Thursday afternoon.

Road Rage Shooting

Galloway Township Police said on its Facebook page shortly after 1 p.m. that they were investigating a shooting on West Jimmie Leeds Road near the area of Redwood Avenue that had happened around 12:52 p.m.

The Atlantic County Sheriff's Office said a woman was shot in the face. She was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center and listed in stable condition.

The suspect was driving a white Honda SUV that entered Vera King Farris Drive at Jimmie Leeds and traveled north through campus, according to a university alert.

The suspected shooter was a passenger in the vehicle and was described as a white male with long blond hair, wearing a green shirt.

Police said the suspect was found at a local housing development and was taken into custody without incident.

More information is expected to be released about the shooting on Friday.

University President Releases Statement

University President Joe Bertolino said in a letter posted online that the incident didn't happen on campus.

"The decision to issue the directive was made out of an abundance of caution, following notification from the Stockton University Police Department of a reported shooting incident in the surrounding off-campus area," Bertolino said.

“While the incident did not occur on campus, the safety of our students, faculty, and staff is always our highest priority. Our emergency response protocols were activated quickly and thoughtfully, and our teams worked to provide timely, accurate updates through our official communication channels. I recognize how unsettling it can be to receive an alert like that, and I want to commend you for your patience, understanding, and commitment to following the guidance provided.”

Bertolino also listed resources, including counseling services, a wellness center, and more, that students and staff could access.

The first alert was posted on the university's website around 1:19 p.m.

"Shelter in place at Galloway Campus. If outside, seek shelter indoors. Remain inside for your safety. Do not exit until Public Safety issues all-clear."

All classes and activities at the university are canceled for the rest of the day, according to the school's website. Campus dining operations were set to resume after 5 p.m., and the campus's normal schedule will resume on Friday.