OC Prosecutor warns against speculation into Brick police shooting probe

Amid sketchy, conflicting versions of circumstances that led to Sunday night's shooting death of a Brick Township 21-year-old by police, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato's office cautioned against reaching conclusions before facts are in.

The terse statement was issued by the department spokesman, Al Della Fave:

"The investigation continues and all efforts will be made to expedite its' (sic) completion. There will be no further information released today. We ask the media and public to refrain from speculating on the facts surrounding the shooting. A full account of the evidence and circumstances surrounding the shooting will be released at the conclusion of the investigation."

Initial information from the Prosecutor's Office indicated that Julian Hoffman carried what appeared to officers to be a weapon and did not drop it when ordered to do so. A man identified by the Asbury Park Press as Hoffman's father said that he placed an air rifle on the ground and had raised his hands.

The officers involved, Patrolmen Jay Nye and Ryan Osborn, have been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation. Nye has been on the force since September 2, 2011. Osborn was hired April 11, 2013.