(TOMS RIVER, N.J) — A man who was identified as the perpetrator in a fatal shooting has not yet been taken into custody. Family and friends of the victim call for action.
On September 19, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office released the identity of the man who is wanted and charged with murder at a Wawa in Toms River.
Toms River resident, Douglas Cobb, 51, was identified as the perpetrator in the fatal shooting at a Wawa convenience store located at the corner of Route 37 and Garfield Avenue at approximately 7:20 a.m. on September 18.
Photo Credit: Douglas Cobb, wanted fugitive in relation to fatal shooting at a Wawa in Toms River.
Cobb is being charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and being a certain person not to possess a weapon.
Law enforcement officers reported that the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.
The victim of the fatal shooting, Bruce Gress, 42, of Toms River, has allegedly been reported to have robbed the home of Cobb before ultimately being followed to the Wawa, where Cobb shot Gress.
Speculation quickly rose about whether this incident was due to road rage or robbery. The alleged robbery, road rage allegations, and events leading up to the shooting have not been confirmed by the OCPO.
Cobb, also known as Douglas Green and “Bootknock,” was last seen driving a black 2016 Acura MDX, with New Jersey registration T93YJL.
Cobb has been previously charged with manufacturing, distributing, or possessing with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a controlled dangerous substance or drug analog, resisting arrest/eluding in a motor vehicle, creating risk of death or injury to another person, and conspiracy.
In 2014, Gress was arrested on charges of attempted first-degree murder in connection with an assault on a 21-year-old woman. Gress and the victim were at a motel to engage in prostitution before he allegedly strangled and repeatedly beat her in the face. Gress left the room, leaving her critically injured.
Photo Credit: St. Petersburg Police / 2014 Bruce Gress Mugshot
Gress’ family and friends have used social media to try to find Cobb and to call for action.
“I know people can have opinions about my brother especially with his past but he served his time and was really trying to live a regular life,” Kelly McDonald, the victim’s sister said. “I am the last person on this earth to defend him! No matter what he did, he was murdered.”
McDonald noted that the two men were arguing in the parking lot when her brother, Gress, got into his car and was trying to leave when Cobb drove up next to him and “shot him in the head.”
Photo Credit: Kelly McDonald Facebook / Memorial for Bruce Gress outside of the Wawa he was fatally shot at.
“This man is still on the run, we need to get him off the streets before he does this to someone else,” McDonald said.
Daniel LaBrecque, a friend of Gress, explained that Gress unfortunately had to lose his life because of a “senseless cowardly” action. LaBrecque stated that “no one and that means not a single person deserves to go in that way.”
Sabrina Breining, Gress’ cousin, also went to social media to say that this was a “senseless act of violence” while asking the community to come forward with any information they know.
The OCPO, family, and friends of Gress have been contacted by OpGov.News, but have not responded at the time of publication.
This is an ongoing story; OpGov.News will update as information becomes available.
To add to or correct any information in this report or to share tips or a story, please contact me at alexis.n@lead4earth.org.
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