Ocean County Mall (File Photo)
A shooting at the Ocean County Mall in Toms River on Wednesday night resulted in a 17-year-old victim being taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the face, authorities confirmed Thursday morning. Police are continuing to investigate the incident and have not yet made an arrest.
According to a statement from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Toms River police officers were called to the mall, off Hooper Avenue, at 8:10 p.m. for a report of a male suffering from a gunshot wound. The on-scene investigation revealed the victim was sitting in the common area of the mall when he was “confronted by an individual who attempted to start an altercation,” the statement said.
“As the individual began to walk away from the victim, he turned and fired multiple gunshots in the victim’s direction – with one of the shots striking the victim’s face,” the statement said. “The individual then fled the area in what is believed to be a gray sedan.”
The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. His current condition was not available.
“This appears to be a targeted shooting, and there is no known danger to the public at this time,” Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said, adding that his office, Toms River police and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department were conducting the investigation.
Anyone in possession of information concerning the investigation is urged to contact Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. Denis Mitchell at 732-929-2027, extension 2746.
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