Willingboro, NJ – A 16-year-old Willingboro resident has been charged with attempted murder after investigators say he fired multiple shots from a moving vehicle at a person standing outside a home in the Garfield Park section of Willingboro Township, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.
Because the defendant is a juvenile, authorities are not releasing his identity.
The teen is being held at a juvenile detention facility in Middlesex County while awaiting a hearing in Superior Court in Mount Holly.
Gunfire struck home but missed intended target
The investigation began during the afternoon of July 25 after police were called to a residence on Garland Lane for reports of shots fired.
According to investigators, a resident told police someone inside a moving vehicle fired multiple rounds at a family member who was standing in the front yard.
Although the intended victim was not struck, bullets hit the residence, creating what prosecutors described as another instance of reckless gun violence in a residential neighborhood.
Detectives from the Willingboro Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit launched a joint investigation to identify the shooter.
Search warrant leads to arrest
On July 31, investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at the juvenile’s residence in Willingboro.
According to prosecutors, detectives recovered a firearm and ammunition during the search before taking the teenager into custody.
Authorities have not disclosed whether investigators believe the recovered firearm was used in the shooting.
Juvenile faces numerous weapons charges
In addition to first-degree attempted murder, the juvenile has been charged with multiple weapons offenses.
The charges include second-degree aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, third-degree receiving stolen property, fourth-degree aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a minor, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of armor-piercing ammunition.
The case will proceed through New Jersey’s juvenile justice system.
Prosecutor vows aggressive response to gun violence
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said the arrest demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to investigating neighborhood shootings.
“To those who think they can shoot up a neighborhood in the middle of the day and won’t be caught and prosecuted – you need to think again,” Bradshaw said.
“This reckless behavior is intolerable, and we will not allow it to go unchecked in Burlington County.”
The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Willingboro Township Police Department, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Prosecutor’s Office Crime Scene Unit.
Drive-by shootings remain a significant concern for law enforcement agencies because of the danger they pose not only to intended victims but also to nearby families, neighbors and passing motorists. Even when no one is struck, bullets can penetrate homes and vehicles, placing innocent people at risk.
FAQ
Who was arrested?
A 16-year-old Willingboro resident was arrested. Because he is a juvenile, New Jersey law prohibits the release of his identity.
Was anyone injured?
No. Prosecutors said the intended victim was not struck, although the home was hit by gunfire.
What charges does the juvenile face?
He is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and numerous firearms offenses, including possession of armor-piercing ammunition and receiving stolen property.
Where is the teen being held?
He is being held at a juvenile detention facility in Middlesex County pending a hearing in Superior Court in Mount Holly.
Local Impact
The shooting occurred in a residential section of Willingboro during the afternoon, when neighbors and families were likely to be outside. Burlington County officials say aggressively investigating neighborhood gun violence remains a priority as they work to reduce shootings and remove illegal firearms from the community.
Sources
- Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office
- Willingboro Township Police Department
