A routine morning at Angela Hibbard Park in Brick Township turned into a scene of panic on Tuesday, when a juvenile suspect allegedly committed a robbery and threatened bystanders with what appeared to be a firearm. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody and now faces a series of serious charges, including Robbery, multiple weapons offenses, and Terroristic Threats.
According to authorities, officers from the Brick Township Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a disturbance at the park. Witnesses claimed that a suspect was reaching into his backpack in a manner suggesting he had a gun. Upon investigation, officers determined that the juvenile had forcibly taken property from a victim in the park.
As the suspect attempted to flee, a bystander intervened in an effort to stop him, only to be shoved aside. When another individual stepped in, the suspect threatened to shoot those nearby, reaching into his backpack while holding a black object, causing widespread panic. Parkgoers fled for safety, with several taking cover.
Brick Township police officers quickly arrived at the scene, engaging in a foot pursuit as the suspect attempted to escape. The juvenile was ultimately apprehended, and a search of the area uncovered an imitation firearm and a machete.
The suspect was transported to the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center, where he remains in custody. Due to his juvenile status, further details are restricted under state law.
He will probably be released under JDAI.