Toms River, NJ, Man Charged in 2022 Garden State Parkway Shooting

Anthony Zigarelli has been charged in connection with a 2022 Parkway shooting
A male passenger was struck after the suspect allegedly fired multiple rounds at a vehicle near Exit 80
Investigators say advances in technology led them to identify Zigarelli as the suspect

Toms River, N.J. — A Toms River man already sitting in state prison on unrelated charges has been charged in a 2022 Garden State Parkway shooting that injured a man.

22-year-old Anthony Zigarelli has been charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Shots Fired on the Parkway

According to New Jersey State Police, on January 12th, 2022, detectives responded to Community Medical Center in Toms River after a man was brought in with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Officials said the victim and a suspect had gotten into a verbal argument at an Exxon station on Commonwealth Boulevard in Manchester Township. After the argument, the suspect followed the victim's vehicle onto the Garden State Parkway South.

Near Exit 80 in South Toms River, the suspect allegedly fired multiple rounds at the vehicle, striking the male passenger. The female driver was uninjured and drove the victim to the hospital herself.

Detectives later found multiple bullet holes in the vehicle.

Exit 80 on the Garden State Parkway in South Toms River, NJ - Photo: Google Maps

ANOTHER COLD CASE:

42 Years Later, NJ State Police Still Seek Identity of Murder Victim

Cold Case Cracked by Technology

The case sat unsolved for years until new investigative technology ultimately led to new evidence. Working with the NJSP Cellular Analysis Team and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office High Tech Crimes Unit, detectives ultimately identified Zigarelli as the suspect.

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

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Gallery Credit: Eddie Davis

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 WPUR 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.