Prosecutor: Juvenile Facing Unlawful Gun Possession Charge After July 4th Shooting

A 16-year-old male juvenile is in custody on a second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun charge following a shots-fired incident during Fourth of July festivities on the Asbury Park boardwalk that left two people injured, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said on Friday.

Additional charges directly connected to the shooting and injuries sustained have not yet been lodged, as a ballistics analysis, that will determine whether or not the shots were fired from the juvenile’s gun, is pending.

One victim, a 55-year-old female and an employee of a nearby business on the boardwalk, sustained a non-life-threatening wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. A second victim, a 25-year-old female who walking along the boardwalk at the time of the shooting incident, sustained a minor wound and refused treatment at the scene.

The shooting occurred 9:58 p.m. on the Asbury Park boardwalk in the area of 1st and Ocean avenues. Manalapan Township Police Officer Kyle Williams was on scene working a security detail for the fireworks display at the time of the incident. He arrested the juvenile, whom he found in possession of a loaded handgun in the area.

Authorities are seeking witnesses with additional information about the incident.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.  Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.