Gunshot leaves Toms River victim in critical condition

A Toms River 36-year-old who was shot late Monday night near a construction site remains hospitalized while police draw on scant information in search of the gunman.

The incident came to light at Monmouth Medical Center South in Lakewood at about 11:50 PM, when staffers notified police in that township of a gunshot victim who arrived by car for treatment.

Investigators believe that the shooting occurred at a construction site on Route 9 in Toms River, at the West Hickory Road entrance to the site.

Police said that the victim was listed in critical condition. No details were disclosed about the nature or placement of the wound, type of ammo, circumstances that placed the victim at a construction site near midnight, or whether the site is equipped with surveillance cameras.

It's the third report of gunfire in Ocean County within a week, and the second involving a victim from Toms River. The suspect in a January 5 shooting in the township remains outside the law. Shots were reported in Lakewood January 6. A suspect has been charged in connection with a January 7 shooting in Lakewood that left a Toms River man injured.

Toms River police lead the investigation with support from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Major Crime Division and the county Sheriff's CSI unit.

Anyone who can help advance the probe is urged to call Toms River PD Detective Lou Santora, 732-349-0150, extension 1276, or Detective John Carroll in the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, 939-2027, extension 3964.