Prosecutor: Standoff in Toms River ends after man suspected in Manchester homicide takes his own life

Maxwell Johnston, 35, was wanted in the shooting of 25-year-old Gabriella Caroleo on June 27.

Matt Trapani

Jul 5, 2024, 8:41 PM

Updated 173 days ago

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The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office says an hourslong police standoff in Toms River came to an end Friday night after the man suspected in a deadly shooting in Manchester Township last month took his own life.
Maxwell Johnston, 35, was wanted in the shooting of 25-year-old Gabriella Caroleo that happened on June 27 in Manchester. A warrant was issued for Johnston’s arrest on July 3. He was charged with murder and weapons charges.
Maxwell Johnson, 35, was wanted for the murder of 25-year-old Gabriella Caroleo.
Law enforcement officials on Friday afternoon surrounded a home located at 1905 Ravenwood Drive in Toms River where Johnston was staying.
Authorities say that shots were fired at police officers during the standoff. Neighbors in the surrounding homes were evacuated as a precaution. Dozens of law enforcement officers surrounded the home and the neighborhood.
Officials say that after nearly seven hours, Johnston fatally shot himself and the standoff ended.
“We thank everyone in the neighborhood for their patience as this situation is concluded and there is no further danger to the public,” Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer wrote in a statement.
No law enforcement officials or civilians were injured.