Three charged, one sought in Toms River mugging

Three suspects in a brutal June 1 mugging in Toms River are arrested and charged, and a fourth is on the loose.

Police are searching for Jorge Ratliff, 24, who they say has ties to Toms River and New Brunswick, for the attack and robbery at Winteringham Village. He faces a second-degree robbery charge on capture, and his bail is set at $50,000.

Asante Moorer, 18, of Toms River, is charged with receiving stolen property. Two 17-year-olds are charged with second-degree robbery, and one of them also faces a marijuana-possession count, police said.

The victim told police that as he approached the basketball courts on the residential complex grounds at about 4 PM, he was grabbed from behind and punched in the face repeatedly, losing consciousness, and regaining it in time to find his attackers running his pockets and backpack. They got away with his wallet and cell phone, police said.

Moorer and the teens were tracked to the Hampton Garden Apartments on James Street.

Anyone knowing Ratliff's whereabouts is urged to reach Toms River PD at 732-349-0150.