Toms River police responded to the mall on Hooper Avenue at approximately 8:10 p.m., after receiving a report of a male victim with a gunshot wound, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said.
Responding officers found the teen with a single gunshot wound to his face, Billhimer said. The teen was transported to a nearby hospital where he was listed in stable condition, Billhimer said.
The teen had been sitting in a common area of the mall when he was approached by an individual who attempted to start an altercation, Billhimer said.
As the suspect began to walk away, he turned and fired multiple gunshots toward the victim, striking him in the face, Billhimer said The suspect then fled the area in what is believed to be a gray sedan, Billhimer said.
The incident appears to be a targeted shooting, and there is no known danger to the public, Billhimer said.
The shooting is currently under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Anyone in possession of information concerning this investigation is urged to contact Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant Denis Mitchell at 732-929-2027, extension 2746.
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