TOMS RIVER, New Jersey — September 24, 2026 — A fatal shooting at a Wawa convenience store in Toms River remains an active law-enforcement matter, days after a 42-year-old man was shot in the parking lot of the Route 37 location.
The shooting occurred at approximately 7:20 a.m. on September 18 at the Wawa near Route 37 and Garfield Avenue, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Investigators from the prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded to the scene. (OCPO)
The victim, identified by authorities as Bruce Gress, 42, of Toms River, was found suffering from a gunshot wound and was transported to a medical facility, where he was pronounced dead. (CBS News)
Investigation Leads to Suspect Identification
The investigation has since moved beyond the initial crime-scene response.
Authorities identified Douglas Cobb, 51, of Toms River, as the suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest. According to CBS New York’s report citing the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Cobb faces charges including murder and unlawful possession of a weapon. (CBS News)
Investigators have also been looking for a black 2016 Acura MDX believed to be associated with Cobb. The vehicle reportedly carried New Jersey registration T93YJL. (CBS News)
The motive has not been publicly established in the reporting reviewed.
What Happened at the Wawa
Initial reports described a substantial police presence around the store following the shooting. The area was treated as a crime scene while investigators worked to document evidence and establish what occurred.
Authorities initially asked the public to avoid the area around Route 37 and Garfield Avenue because of police activity. (Patch)
The early investigation also involved a search for a dark-colored vehicle reportedly seen leaving the area. Subsequent investigative developments led authorities to identify Cobb as the person wanted in connection with the killing. (CBS News)
Investigation Remains a Major Focus
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office initially described the case as an active and ongoing investigation and said additional information would be released as it became available. (OCPO)
The development from an initially unidentified shooting to the identification of a named suspect represents a significant step in the investigation, but authorities have not publicly provided a complete account of what led to the confrontation or established a motive.
Anyone with information relevant to the case has been asked to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit or the Toms River Township Police Department. (OCPO)
As the investigation continues, additional court filings and statements from prosecutors are expected to provide more information about the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
About the Author
