Suspect Still at Large After Fatal Shooting at Toms River Wawa

Suspect Still at Large After Fatal Shooting at Toms River Wawa

A Toms River man remains a fugitive in the fatal shooting of Bruce Gress at the Wawa at Route 37 and Garfield Avenue in Toms River.

According to the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, four people are accused of helping suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting at a Route 37 Wawa avoid being captured.

The search for Douglas C. Cobb, who is charged with murder in the Sept. 18 killing of Bruce Gress, is now entering its second week. Prosecutors said four people — Ronald Hagan, 50, of Brick Township; Sylvester Green, 43, of Bayville; Cherice Nicholson, 46, of Howell; and Jennifer Rizalvo, 48, of Lakewood — assisted Cobb in evading authorities.

Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer also announced the release of a new photo of Cobb. The image was taken from a police officer’s body-camera footage during an incident in June.

Green and Nicholson were taken into custody Thursday and remain at the Ocean County Jail while awaiting detention hearings, according to the prosecutor’s office. Rizalvo was charged by summons and released pending further court proceedings.

Authorities said Hagan remains at large, with an arrest warrant issued for him.

“These arrests make it clear that anyone who knowingly helps Douglas Cobb avoid law enforcement will be held responsible and face legal consequences,” Billhimer said. “Our investigators are working around the clock to locate Cobb and bring him into custody so he can face justice for the death of Bruce Gress.”

Authorities allege that Cobb shot Gress following an argument near the gas pumps at the Wawa located at Route 37 and Garfield Avenue. The shooting occurred at approximately 7:20 a.m. on Sept. 18.