TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A reported shooting near a Wawa on Route 37 and Garfield Avenue in Toms River, New Jersey, sent police to the area Friday morning, September 18, 2026, after one person was reportedly injured.
The incident prompted a significant law-enforcement response around the busy commercial area. According to preliminary reports, the injured person was being transported by air to a hospital as investigators worked to determine what happened.
Authorities asked people to avoid the area while officers investigated the reported gunfire.
Toms River Shooting Today
The reported shooting occurred near the Wawa on Route 37 East at Garfield Avenue.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert regarding police activity in the area and advised members of the public to stay away from the immediate scene while the investigation was underway.
Investigators reportedly established a crime scene around portions of the Wawa property, including the area near the gas pumps.
At the time of the initial reports, authorities had not released the identity of the injured person or provided a complete account of the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
One Person Reportedly Injured
One person was reportedly injured by gunfire during the incident.
Preliminary information indicated that the victim was being flown to a hospital for treatment. However, the person’s identity and medical condition had not been publicly released in the initial reports.
Authorities had also not provided detailed information about what led to the shooting or whether the victim and suspected shooter knew one another.
Those details remain subject to confirmation as investigators continue examining the incident.
Police Searching for Dark-Colored Sedan
Investigators were reportedly looking for a dark-colored sedan believed to be connected to the shooting.
The vehicle description formed part of the early investigation, but authorities had not publicly identified a suspect in the information available at the time of publication.
Police may review surveillance footage from nearby businesses and roadways, interview witnesses and examine evidence collected at the scene as they attempt to determine where the vehicle went after the shooting.
No confirmed motive had been announced.
Heavy Police Presence at Route 37 Wawa
The reported shooting brought multiple law-enforcement agencies to the area.
The response included the Toms River Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Police activity around the Wawa affected the immediate area as investigators worked to document the scene and collect evidence.
Because Route 37 is a heavily traveled roadway, motorists passing through the area were advised to use caution and follow any directions from law enforcement or traffic personnel.
Members of the public were also encouraged not to approach an active crime scene.
Investigation Underway in Toms River
Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported shooting.
Among the questions authorities may seek to answer are what happened before the gunfire, who was involved, where the suspected vehicle traveled afterward and whether the people involved knew each other.
Investigators may also examine surveillance recordings, witness statements, physical evidence and other information as part of the investigation.
At the latest available stage of the report, no arrest, suspect identity or motive had been publicly confirmed.
Additional information may be released as authorities continue their investigation.
Is There an Ongoing Threat?
The reported shooting prompted police activity in a busy commercial area, but the preliminary information available did not establish that an active shooter remained at the location.
Residents and visitors should nevertheless follow instructions from local law enforcement and avoid entering areas that have been restricted while investigators work.
People who witnessed the incident or have potentially relevant surveillance or dashcam footage may be able to assist investigators.
Toms River Shooting: What We Know
Based on the preliminary information available:
- Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
- Location: Route 37 East and Garfield Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey
- Nearby business: Wawa
- Incident: Reported shooting
- Injuries: One person reportedly injured
- Medical response: Victim reportedly transported by air to a hospital
- Vehicle sought: Dark-colored sedan
- Police agencies: Toms River Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
- Suspect: Not publicly identified
- Motive: Not released
- Investigation: Ongoing
These details may change as authorities verify information and release additional findings.
Police Appeal for Information
Anyone who witnessed the reported shooting or may have information about the dark-colored sedan could potentially assist investigators.
Witnesses should provide information directly to law enforcement rather than posting unverified claims online.
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras or dashcams could also be relevant if investigators are seeking to reconstruct the events before and after the shooting.
Latest Toms River Shooting Update
The reported shooting near the Route 37 Wawa remains an active investigation.
One person was reportedly injured and transported by air for medical treatment. Police were also reportedly searching for a dark-colored sedan in connection with the incident.
Authorities had not released the victim’s identity, confirmed a suspect, announced an arrest or provided a motive in the initial information available.
As the investigation develops, additional details are expected to come from Toms River police, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office or other authorized officials.
Residents should rely on official announcements for confirmed information and avoid spreading unverified reports about the shooting.
This is a developing story. Details may change as authorities release additional information.