Juvenile charged with shooting 17-year-old in face at Toms River mall
The suspect was charged with attempted murder.
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A juvenile was charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old boy hospitalized.
The shooting took place at Ocean County Mall on Hooper Avenue in Toms River on Wednesday night, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
Toms River police arrived to find a 17-year-old male had been shot in the face.
Officers learned the victim was sitting in a common area when confronted by a person later determined to be the suspect who attempted to start an altercation.
As that individual began to walk away from the victim, he turned and fired multiple gunshots in the victim's direction, with one striking the victim's face, the prosecutor said in a statement. The shooter then fled the area.
Police later learned a juvenile suspect was responsible for the shooting.
The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.
"This was a senseless act of violence that has no place in our civilized society. This behavior will not be tolerated here in Ocean County," Billhimer said.
The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Hospital where he is listed in stable condition.
