The post Suspect Identified After Fatal Shooting Outside Toms River Wawa; Investigation Continues first appeared on Crafting Your Home.
Authorities have identified a 51-year-old Toms River man as the suspect in a fatal shooting that left a local resident dead outside a Wawa convenience store on Friday morning. Police responded to the Wawa parking lot near Route 37 and Garfield Avenue at approximately 7:20 a.m. on September 18, 2026, following reports of a person suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers found 42-year-old Bruce Gress of Toms River wounded at the scene.
He was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office later announced that investigators identified Douglas Cobb, 51, also of Toms River, as the person they allege was responsible for the shooting. Authorities announced charges including murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and certain persons not to possess a weapon.
Cobb has not been convicted. The charges are allegations, and court proceedings had not yet resulted in a finding of guilt in the materials reviewed.
Police Continue Search for Suspect
Authorities said Cobb was considered a fugitive and issued an arrest warrant. Investigators also released information about a vehicle connected to the search: a black 2016 Acura MDX with New Jersey registration T93YJL.
As of the latest reviewed update on Sunday, September 20, Cobb had not been publicly reported arrested. Authorities continued seeking information about his whereabouts.
The investigation involves the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Motive Remains Unknown
Investigators have not publicly released a possible motive for the shooting. Officials also have not confirmed whether Cobb and Gress knew each other or whether there was any prior relationship between the two men.
Authorities have also not released details about the firearm involved, whether a weapon has been recovered, or how the shooting unfolded. Investigators have not publicly confirmed the number or identities of witnesses or whether surveillance footage from the area has been collected.
Community Left Searching for Answers
The shooting happened during morning hours at a business regularly used by residents, drawing a large police response and renewed attention from the surrounding community. Officials have urged anyone with information about the investigation or Cobb’s whereabouts to contact authorities.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit can be reached at 732-929-2027, and the Toms River Township Police Department can be reached at 732-349-0150.
For now, investigators continue working to piece together what led to the shooting as authorities search for the suspect and gather additional evidence.
The investigation remains active.
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