A person was fatally shot Friday morning in a Toms River Wawa parking lot, prompting a major police response as investigators work to identify the victim and determine what happened.
WEBDESK – NJNEWSLINE
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A fatal shooting at a Wawa convenience store in Toms River has prompted an investigation by local police and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, with authorities working to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The shooting happened at about 7:20 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, in the parking lot of the Wawa located at Route 37 and Garfield Avenue, according to investigators.
Authorities said one person was shot and killed at the scene. The victim’s identity had not been released in the initial investigation. ABC7 New York, citing police, reported that the victim was shot in the head.
The incident brought police and investigators to the busy commercial area Friday morning. Aerial footage showed a pickup truck surrounded by police tape, with what appeared to be a shattered window. Investigators were examining the vehicle as part of the crime scene.
Police investigating, suspect not identified
The Toms River Township Police Department and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the shooting. As of the initial reports Friday, authorities had not publicly identified a suspect or disclosed what may have led to the shooting.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer described the investigation as active and ongoing and said additional information would be released as it becomes available.
The investigation remained in its early stages Friday, meaning authorities had not established a publicly disclosed motive or explained whether the shooting was connected to an argument, an attempted robbery, a personal dispute or another circumstance.
Those details are expected to become clearer as detectives interview witnesses, examine evidence from the scene and review available surveillance footage.
What happened at the Route 37 Wawa?
The Wawa is located at the intersection of Route 37 and Garfield Avenue, an area that typically experiences significant traffic and commercial activity.
The shooting occurred during the morning hours, and the presence of police activity and crime-scene tape affected the area as investigators processed the scene.
Authorities have not indicated that the shooting presents a continuing threat to the wider public, but the investigation remains active.
Authorities ask witnesses to come forward
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information that could help identify a suspect to contact authorities.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit can be reached at 732-929-2027, while the Toms River Township Police Department can be reached at 732-349-0150.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not released the victim’s name or provided a public account of what led to the shooting.
Why it matters
The shooting occurred at a public commercial location during the morning, making the investigation significant for residents and businesses in the Toms River area. The circumstances, motive and identity of any suspect remain key unanswered questions.
Further information is expected from investigators as the case develops.
