TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A reported shooting at or near a Wawa on Route 37 in Toms River, New Jersey, prompted a major police response Friday morning, September 18, 2026, after one person was reportedly injured.
The incident occurred in the busy commercial area near Route 37 East and Garfield Avenue, where law-enforcement officers responded and established an active investigation scene.
Preliminary information indicated that the injured person was being flown to a hospital for treatment. Authorities also reportedly asked members of the public to avoid the area while investigators worked to determine what happened.
Wawa Shooting Today in Toms River
The reported gunfire occurred near the Wawa located along Route 37 East at Garfield Avenue.
An alert from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office warned the public about police activity in the area and advised people to stay away from the immediate location.
Investigators reportedly secured portions of the property while evidence was examined. The area around the gas pumps was among the locations where police activity was observed.
At the time of the initial reports, authorities had not released the identity of the person who was injured.
They had also not provided a detailed explanation of what happened immediately before the shooting.
One Person Injured in Reported Shooting
One person was reportedly injured during the gunfire.
The victim was reportedly being transported by helicopter to a hospital for additional medical treatment. The person’s condition had not been publicly released in the preliminary information available.
Authorities had not confirmed whether the victim was targeted or whether the shooting resulted from an altercation or another circumstance.
Those questions remain part of the investigation.
Police Reportedly Seek Dark-Colored Sedan
A dark-colored sedan was reportedly being sought as part of the investigation.
The vehicle description was included in early information concerning the incident, although police had not publicly identified a suspect associated with the vehicle.
Investigators could examine surveillance video from the Wawa and surrounding businesses, speak with witnesses and review other evidence to establish the movements of the vehicle and the people involved.
No confirmed motive had been released.
Police Response at Toms River Wawa
The incident brought several law-enforcement agencies to the Route 37 area.
The response reportedly included:
- Toms River Police Department
- Ocean County Sheriff’s Office
- Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
The police presence affected the immediate area around the Wawa as investigators worked to process the scene.
Drivers traveling along Route 37 were advised to exercise caution and follow instructions from law enforcement if they encountered road restrictions or emergency activity.
Was There an Arrest?
No arrest had been publicly confirmed in the initial information available about the reported shooting.
Authorities had also not released the name of a suspect or announced whether anyone had been taken into custody.
An investigation can continue for some time after a shooting while detectives collect surveillance footage, interview witnesses and examine physical evidence.
Additional information may be released as investigators establish more facts.
Is There a Public Safety Threat?
The reported shooting generated a substantial police response, but the information available did not establish that an active shooter remained at the Wawa or that there was an ongoing threat inside the business.
Nevertheless, people in the area should follow directions issued by police and avoid restricted portions of the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant video footage may have information that could assist investigators.
Wawa Shooting New Jersey: What We Know
The preliminary information available indicates:
- Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
- Location: Wawa near Route 37 East and Garfield Avenue
- City: Toms River, New Jersey
- Incident: Reported shooting
- Injured: One person reportedly injured
- Medical response: Victim reportedly airlifted to a hospital
- Vehicle sought: Dark-colored sedan
- Suspect: Not publicly identified
- Arrest: Not confirmed
- Motive: Not released
- Investigation: Ongoing
Because this remains a developing incident, some details may change as officials verify information.
Investigation Continues
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported shooting.
Investigators may be working to determine the sequence of events, identify the person responsible, locate the reported vehicle and establish whether the victim and shooter were known to one another.
Authorities may also seek witnesses who were in the area around the time of the incident.
People with relevant information should contact law enforcement rather than sharing unverified claims online.
Latest Wawa Shooting Update
The reported Wawa shooting in Toms River, New Jersey, remains under investigation.
One person was reportedly injured and was being flown to a hospital for treatment. A dark-colored sedan was also reportedly being sought in connection with the investigation.
At the time of the latest preliminary information, authorities had not publicly released the victim’s identity, confirmed a suspect, announced an arrest or provided a motive.
Further updates are expected as investigators continue working at the scene and gather additional information.
Residents and motorists should follow official instructions and rely on verified announcements from local authorities for the latest information.
This is a developing story. Details concerning the shooting, injuries, suspect, vehicle and investigation may be updated as additional verified information becomes available.