TOMS RIVER — Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Friday morning in the parking lot of the Wawa convenience store at Route 37 and Garfield Avenue.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer confirmed that the shooting happened at approximately 7:20 a.m.
Initial reports indicated that two men had been involved in an argument before one of them allegedly opened fire. A dark-colored sedan, possibly a newer blue or black Acura, was reportedly seen leaving the area toward Garfield Avenue.
The victim was flown to a hospital but later died, authorities confirmed. The person’s identity has not been released.
A large police, fire and emergency medical response was dispatched to the scene, and the entrances to the convenience store were reportedly blocked while investigators processed the area.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are conducting the investigation.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” Billhimer said, adding that more details will be released when available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit at 732-929-2027 or the Toms River Township Police Department at 732-349-0150.
