Teen Charged With Attempted Murder in Ocean County Mall Shooting

Authorities in Ocean County say a juvenile has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting at a popular mall this past Wednesday night.

Shooting at Ocean County Mall in Toms River

It was just after 8 PM on Wednesday, March 25th, when officers with the Toms River Township Police Department were called to the Ocean County Mall on Hooper Avenue for a report of a man who had been shot.

At the scene, officers found a 17-year-old male victim with a single gunshot wound to his face. He was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was last reported to be in stable condition.

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Investigation

According to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, an investigation revealed that the victim was sitting in a common area of the Ocean County Mall when he was allegedly confronted by an individual who attempted to start an altercation. As that person began to walk away from the victim, he turned and fired multiple gunshots in the victim's direction, hitting him once in the face. The shooter then fled the area.

That juvenile has been taken into custody and is being held in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.

In addition to attempted murder, he is also facing related weapons charges.

New Jersey state law prohibits the release of any information about the suspect because of his age.

Ocean County Prosecutor Comments

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a statement, "Officers and detectives involved in this investigation acted with urgency and professionalism to bring this disturbing incident to a swift resolution. This was a senseless act of violence that has no place in our civilized society. This behavior will not be tolerated here in Ocean County."

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com