South Toms River, NJ – A former Toms River firefighter accused of driving from Maine to Ocean County armed with firearms, body armor, and dozens of ammunition magazines before a confrontation with police on Dover Road will remain jailed pending trial, a judge ruled Friday.
Brian J. Lanzim, 37, of Bangor, Maine, faces three counts of attempted murder and multiple weapons-related charges tied to the April 29 officer-involved shooting in South Toms River, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.
During Friday’s detention hearing, Ocean County Superior Court Judge Pamela M. Snyder ordered Lanzim held at the Ocean County Jail as prosecutors described what they called a planned and escalating threat against his former girlfriend and her family.
Assistant Prosecutor Mara Brater told the court Lanzim drove roughly eight hours from Maine to Ocean County after learning his former girlfriend intended to end the relationship and had obtained a temporary restraining order.
“He was ready for war,” Brater said during the hearing. “He armed himself with two firearms. He armed himself with a bulletproof vest. He had 15 large capacity magazines in his trunk.”
Prosecutors Detail Threats Before Shooting
Authorities said the investigation began after the woman contacted Lanzim through FaceTime on April 29 to end the relationship.
According to court testimony and charging documents, Lanzim allegedly threatened the woman and her family during the exchange.
“If your father is there I’m going to take him out,” Lanzim allegedly said, according to statements read into the record by Judge Snyder.
Another alleged message warned: “If you stand between me and my kids, I’m going to do what I need to do.”
Prosecutors said the woman fled with her children to a friend’s house before going to Toms River police headquarters to obtain a restraining order.
Investigators then tracked Lanzim’s phone near Exit 100 on the Garden State Parkway as he traveled south toward Ocean County. Authorities also learned he had allegedly told a mutual acquaintance he was armed and heading to South Toms River.
Key Points
• Brian Lanzim, 37, was ordered held pending trial on attempted murder and weapons charges.
• Prosecutors said he drove from Maine to South Toms River armed with guns and body armor.
• Authorities said Lanzim threatened his ex-girlfriend’s family before the April 29 shooting.
Officer-Involved Shooting Happened Outside Dover Road Home
According to investigators, Lanzim arrived at the Dover Road residence armed with a handgun and wearing body armor before attempting to enter the home of his ex-girlfriend’s parents.
Authorities said the confrontation escalated when South Toms River police officers encountered him outside the residence.
Court documents state South Toms River Sgt. Muhammad Ali could be heard on body camera footage yelling, “Brian, Brian, put it down,” moments before gunfire erupted.
According to the affidavit, a voice responded “no” before five shots were fired.
Lanzim was struck during the encounter and fell to the ground, investigators said. Officers then secured a firearm near him.
Authorities have described the shooting as non-fatal.
Additional Charges Possible
In addition to the attempted murder counts, Lanzim faces charges including burglary, terroristic threats, unlawful use of body armor, unlawful possession of weapons, possession of weapons for an unlawful purpose, and 22 counts of possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines.
Prosecutors indicated more charges could still be filed as the investigation continues.
Brater told the court the state may seek consecutive prison sentences if Lanzim is convicted, potentially exposing him to more than 60 years in prison.
Ocean County prosecutors emphasized that the charges remain accusations and Lanzim is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Lanzim remains lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending further proceedings.
“He just snapped,” one local official who knew the suspect told Shore News Network.