With hearts heavy beyond words, the Toms River community is mourning the loss of Bruce Gress, 42, who was fatally shot Friday morning outside a Wawa on Route 37.
Police responded to the Wawa at the intersection of Route 37 and Garfield Avenue at approximately 7:20 a.m. on September 18 after receiving a report of a shooting.
Officers found Gress suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was pronounced dead.
Following the investigation, authorities identified Douglas Cobb, 51, of Toms River, as the suspect. Prosecutors charged Cobb with murder along with weapons-related offenses.
Cobb had not been taken into custody as of September 21 and is considered a fugitive. Authorities said an arrest warrant has been issued and his information entered into the National Crime Information Center database.
Investigators said Cobb is also known as Douglas Green and uses the nickname “Bootknock.” He was last seen driving a black 2016 Acura MDX with New Jersey registration T93YJL.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Toms River Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation and search.
Authorities have asked anyone with credible information about Cobb’s whereabouts to contact investigators. The charges against Cobb are allegations, and he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Bruce Gress’ death has left his family, friends, and loved ones facing a sudden and painful loss as investigators continue working to locate the man charged in connection with his killing.
