A fatal shooting at a Wawa in Toms River, New Jersey, is under investigation after a man was shot in the parking lot Friday morning, September 18, 2026.
The shooting happened at the Wawa on Route 37 near Garfield Avenue at approximately 7:20 a.m., according to authorities. The victim was transported by medical helicopter to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
Police and investigators responded to the scene as authorities worked to determine what led to the shooting and identify the person responsible.
Shooting Reported at Toms River Wawa
The incident occurred during the morning at the Wawa located along Route 37 near Garfield Avenue in Toms River.
Multiple police, fire and emergency medical units responded after the shooting was reported. Crime scene investigators subsequently worked around the store and parking lot while evidence was collected.
Authorities also urged people to avoid the area while the investigation was underway.
The victim was reportedly inside a truck when he was shot. Early reports initially described his condition as unknown while he was being transported for emergency treatment. Later reports confirmed that he did not survive.
Toms River Wawa Shooting Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident | Fatal shooting |
| Location | Wawa on Route 37 near Garfield Avenue |
| City | Toms River, New Jersey |
| Date | September 18, 2026 |
| Approximate time | 7:20 a.m. |
| Victim | One man |
| Outcome | Victim died after being transported to a hospital |
| Victim identity | Not released |
| Suspect | Not publicly identified |
| Vehicle sought | Dark-colored/blue Acura sedan reported in connection with the incident |
| Motive | Not disclosed |
| Investigation | Ongoing |
Police Search for Suspect After Fatal Shooting
Authorities are searching for information about the person believed to be responsible for the shooting.
Investigators are also seeking information about a dark-colored sedan, with reports identifying it as possibly a blue or black Acura. Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect.
Reports indicate that the suspect left the area following the shooting.
Because the investigation remains active, authorities have not released a complete account of what happened immediately before the gunfire.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is being asked to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit or the Toms River Township Police Department.
What Happened at the Toms River Wawa?
Preliminary reports indicate that two men may have been involved in an argument before the shooting. However, details concerning the confrontation and what led to the gunfire remain under investigation.
Some reports also state that the victim was sitting inside a truck when he was shot.
These details are part of the developing investigation, and authorities have not publicly established a full motive or confirmed all circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
No conclusion should be drawn about the relationship between the victim and suspected shooter until investigators release additional information.
Victim Dies After Being Airlifted
The victim was taken from the scene by medical helicopter after suffering a gunshot wound.
Despite emergency efforts and transportation to a hospital, he later died.
His identity had not been publicly released in the reports available at the time of publication, leaving family and friends to await further official information.
The death turns what initially appeared as a morning shooting investigation into a fatal shooting case for Toms River authorities.
Route 37 Wawa Scene Draws Large Police Response
The shooting prompted a substantial emergency response around the Route 37 Wawa.
Police vehicles, emergency personnel and investigators were present as authorities secured the area and processed the scene.
Entrances to the store were reportedly restricted while investigators worked. Residents and motorists were also advised to avoid the area during the active response.
The investigation has since shifted toward determining the circumstances of the shooting and locating the person believed to have fled the scene.
Investigation Remains Active
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are involved in the investigation.
Authorities have not announced an arrest or publicly established a motive.
Additional information about the victim, suspect and circumstances surrounding the shooting may be released as investigators continue gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses.
Toms River Community Awaits More Information
The fatal shooting has drawn attention in Toms River because it occurred at a busy convenience store during the morning.
For the victim’s family and friends, however, the incident represents a sudden and devastating loss.
As investigators continue working to establish what happened, the focus remains on identifying the person responsible and determining the circumstances that led to the deadly shooting.
Disclaimer
This article reports on the September 18, 2026, shooting at a Wawa on Route 37 near Garfield Avenue in Toms River, New Jersey. The victim’s identity has not been released in the available reports, and the investigation remains ongoing. Preliminary reports concerning the confrontation and vehicle description should not be treated as final findings. No person should be considered responsible for the shooting unless established by authorities or through court proceedings.