WILLINGBORO, NJ — A 16-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder and a long list of weapons offenses after allegedly opening fire from a moving vehicle in a residential neighborhood, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Willingboro Police Chief Ian S. Bucs announced the charges following a weeklong investigation into the July 25 shooting on Garland Lane in the Garfield Park section of the township.

Shots Fired at Victim Standing in Front Yard

Authorities say the teen fired multiple rounds from a vehicle toward a person standing in the front yard of a home around 3 p.m. The intended victim was not struck, but the residence was hit by gunfire. No injuries were reported.

A resident immediately called police, prompting a multi-agency response and an investigation led by Willingboro detectives and the Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes and Crime Scene Units.

Search Warrant Leads to Arrest

On July 31, investigators executed a search warrant at the teen’s Willingboro residence. Inside, they recovered a firearm, ammunition, and armor‑piercing rounds, according to prosecutors. The weapon was also determined to be stolen, resulting in additional charges.

The juvenile was taken into custody without incident and transported to a juvenile detention facility in Middlesex County. He is awaiting a hearing in Superior Court in Mount Holly.

Extensive List of Charges

Because the defendant is a minor, his name is not being released. He faces the following charges:

• Attempted Murder (1st Degree)
• Aggravated Assault (2nd & 4th Degree)
• Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (2nd, 3rd & 4th Degree)
• Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (2nd Degree)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Minor (4th Degree)
• Receiving Stolen Property (3rd Degree)
• Possession of Armor-Piercing Ammunition (4th Degree)

Prosecutor Issues Strong Warning

Prosecutor Bradshaw condemned the daytime shooting, calling it “reckless” and “intolerable.”

“To those who think they can shoot up a neighborhood in the middle of the day and won’t be caught and prosecuted — you need to think again,” Bradshaw said. “We will not allow this behavior to go unchecked in Burlington County.”

Investigation Still Active

Detectives continue to investigate whether anyone else was involved, how the teen obtained the stolen firearm, and whether the shooting was targeted or connected to other incidents in the area.

Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact Willingboro Police or the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.