Bruce Gress Obituary, Death: Toms River Man Killed in Wawa Shooting at 42

Bruce Gress, a 42-year-old resident of Toms River, New Jersey, died following a fatal shooting at a Wawa convenience store on Route 37, leaving an active investigation underway as authorities search for the man accused in the killing.

Police responded to the Wawa at the corner of Route 37 and Garfield Avenue at approximately 7:20 a.m. on September 18, 2026, after receiving a report that a person had been shot. Officers found Gress suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Emergency medical personnel transported him to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was pronounced dead.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office later identified 51-year-old Douglas Cobb, also known as Douglas Green and reportedly known by the nickname “Bootknock,” as the person authorities say was responsible for the shooting. Cobb has been charged with murder and several weapons offenses, including possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.

As of September 19, Cobb had not been taken into custody and was considered a fugitive. Authorities issued an arrest warrant and said he was last seen driving a black 2016 Acura MDX. The investigation involves the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Toms River Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and other law-enforcement agencies.

Authorities have not publicly established a motive for the shooting. Some reports have circulated about circumstances that may have preceded the gunfire, but those claims have not been officially confirmed by pr