SOUTH TOMS RIVER — A Maine man who was shot by a police officer during a confrontation outside a Dover Road home in April has been indicted on three counts of attempted murder, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.
An Ocean County grand jury indicted Brian Lanzim, 37, of Bangor, on September 23. The former Toms River resident also faces weapons, home invasion burglary, unlawful use of body armor and terroristic threats charges.
Police went to the home April 29 after receiving reports that Lanzim had threatened its residents and was driving from Maine to South Toms River with a weapon, according to prosecutors.
While officers were near the house, Lanzim drove across the front lawn toward an officer, forcing the officer to seek cover behind a fence, prosecutors said. Lanzim then got out and tried to open a locked door.
Officers confronted Lanzim, who was wearing body armor and carrying a handgun, prosecutors said. After he did not comply with repeated commands, an officer shot him in the pelvis and hand. Officers disarmed him, provided medical care and had him taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.
Investigators later found a loaded rifle and large-capacity ammunition magazines in Lanzim’s vehicle, prosecutors said. He has been held in the Ocean County Jail since his release from the hospital on May 4.
As Jersey Shore Online reported, Lanzim is a former Toms River resident with ties to local emergency services. A 2021 South Toms River EMS post recognized him as a life member after 10 years of volunteer service and said he had received the squad’s Chief’s Award and EMT of the Year distinction.
The charges are accusations. Lanzim is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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