Law enforcement officers are searching for a man wanted in connection with the murder of a 42-year-old man in a Wawa parking lot in Toms River, New Jersey, on Friday, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
On Saturday, officials said they have issued an arrest warrant for Douglas Cobb, 51, who is facing charges of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and other related offenses in connection with the shooting death of Bruce Gress.
According to prosecutors, at approximately 7:20 a.m. on Sept. 18, officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to the Wawa convenience store at the corner of Route 37 and Garfield Avenue after receiving a report of a person suffering from a gunshot wound.
When officers arrived, they found Gress with a gunshot wound to the head, officials said.
First responders transported Gress to a nearby hospital, where he died.
Officials said their investigation identified Cobb as the suspect in Gress’ murder, and he is now considered a fugitive.
“Great teamwork has been exhibited by all of the respective law enforcement agencies and officers involved in this investigation,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “Our focus now is to locate Douglas Cobb and bring him into custody.”
According to Billhimer, Cobb is also known as Douglas Green and goes by the nickname “Bootknock.”
He was last seen driving a black 2016 Acura MDX with New Jersey registration T93YJL.
“We ask anyone that knows Cobb to advise him to turn himself in peacefully,” Billhimer said.
Anyone with credible information concerning Cobb’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit at 732-929-2027 or the Toms River Township Police Department at 732-349-0150.
