Child accused of shooting 17-year-old boy in the face inside New Jersey mall

A child has been charged with attempted murder after police said they shot another teen in the face during an altercation inside a mall in New Jersey.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, around 8:10 p.m., officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to the Ocean County Mall on Hooper Avenue for a report of a shooting.

When officers got to the scene, officials said they found a 17-year-old boy suffering from a single gunshot wound to his face. The boy was transported to a nearby hospital and listed in stable condition.

Officials reported that an investigation revealed the boy was sitting in a common area of the Ocean County Mall when he was confronted by an individual attempting to provoke a confrontation.

As this individual began to walk away, he turned and fired multiple gunshots in the boy’s direction, with one of the bullets striking the boy in the face, police said. The suspect then fled the scene.

Further investigation has revealed that a child was responsible for the shooting. The child has been taken into custody and is currently being held at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.

Police said the child has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.

“Officers and detectives involved in this investigation acted with urgency and professionalism to bring this disturbing incident to a swift resolution.  This was a senseless act of violence that has no place in our civilized society.  This behavior will not be tolerated here in Ocean County,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release.