Toms River mugging suspects captured

A day after a 76-year-old woman was mugged in a parking lot in Toms River, two suspects end up in the Ocean County Jail.

Michael Bowerman, 32, with known residences in Seaside Heights and Secaucus, and Brandon Myles, 28, of Forked River, face charges in connection with the September 11 incident outside the Wal-Mart on Route 37.

According to police, the victim was placing goods she bought in her car at about 5:17 PM when Bowerman allegedly approached her from behind, tore a gold necklace off her and raced south across the highway on foot. Myles was seen with Bowerman, investigators said. Both were identified after images circulated through web sites and social media.

Bowerman is charged with theft. Myles faces a count of conspiracy to commit theft. The victim sustained no injuries, and police recovered and returned her necklace. Seaside Heights police assisted in the trackdown and arrest of Bowerman.