OCEAN COUNTY – A former Toms River resident, now living in Maine, has been charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder, after authorities said he drove toward police officers and confronted them while armed outside a South Toms River home last week.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Brian Lanzim, 37, of Bangor, Maine, faces three counts of attempted murder along with weapons, burglary and terroristic threats charges tied to the April 29 incident.
Police were called to a Dover Road residence after reports that Lanzim allegedly made threats against people living at the home. Investigators said the threats indicated Lanzim was traveling from Maine to South Toms River and was armed.
According to prosecutors, South Toms River police officers were in the area of the residence when Lanzim drove his vehicle across the front lawn toward officers, forcing them to take cover behind a fence.
Authorities said Lanzim then got out of the vehicle and attempted to enter a locked door at the residence. Officers confronted Lanzim, who investigators said was wearing body armor and carrying a handgun.
During the confrontation, a South Toms River police officer fired his department-issued weapon, striking Lanzim in the pelvis and hand. Officers then disarmed Lanzim and provided medical aid before he was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment.
Investigators later discovered a loaded rifle and 22 large-capacity ammunition magazines inside Lanzim’s vehicle, according to prosecutors.
In addition to the attempted murder charges, Lanzim is charged with two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful use of body armor, burglary, terroristic threats and 22 counts related to possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines.
After being released from the hospital, Lanzim was taken to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains pending a detention hearing.
The incident remains under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Professional Standards Unit. Prosecutors said additional information will be released once the investigation is complete.
Social media accounts and public posts indicate he had longstanding ties to emergency services organizations in Ocean County.
A 2021 post on Facebook by South Toms River EMS recognized Lanzim as a life member after 10 years of volunteer service. The organization also credited him with receiving the squad’s Chief’s Award and EMT of the Year distinction.
Jersey Shore Online will continue to seek information on this developing story and as soon as we have additional details, we will update you.
