SOUTH TOMS RIVER — An Ocean County man has been charged with multiple attempted murder and weapons offenses after authorities say a domestic violence encounter in South Toms River ended with police shooting him last week.
Details are very scarce following the April 29th incident.
Brian John Lanzim, 37, remains held at the Ocean County Jail following the April 29 incident, according to court records. However, both the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and State Attorney General’s Office would not confirm any of the information when Jersey Shore Online requested information regarding the case. The reason? When a police-involved shooting occurs in New Jersey, it’s standard procedure to not comment or post anything publicly until the investigation is completed.
However, a flurry of social media posts and news stories have been popping up during the last 72 hours.
According to the Ocean County Jail inmate search, prosecutors have charged Lanzim with six counts of attempted murder, along with three counts of making terroristic threats. He also faces four counts each of unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Additional charges include two counts each of home invasion burglary and unlawful use of a body vest during the commission of a crime.
Court documents indicate one of the terroristic threats charges is connected to an incident reported in Toms River shortly before 8 p.m. on April 28. The remaining charges stem from events that allegedly unfolded the next day on April 29 in South Toms River.
Social media accounts and public posts indicate he had longstanding ties to emergency services organizations in Ocean County.
Authorities have disclosed limited information about the shooting. Court officials said records tied to domestic violence matters are not available to the public.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability directed the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office to oversee an independent investigation into the police shooting, in accordance with state policy governing use-of-force incidents involving law enforcement.
Prosecutors said a formal public statement will be released once the investigation is completed and reviewed by the attorney general’s office.
A 2021 post on Facebook by South Toms River EMS recognized Lanzim as a life member after 10 years of volunteer service. The organization also credited him with receiving the squad’s Chief’s Award and EMT of the Year distinction.
Jersey Shore Online will continue to seek information on this developing story and as soon as we have additional details, we will update you.
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