Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announces that Mr. Garret Latorre, 18, of Toms River, has been charged with Attempted Murder and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose after a violent stabbing.
According to police, on Saturday, Toms River Township Police was dispatched to the parking lot of K-Mart on Route 37 in Toms River for a report of an altercation where a male was stabbed at that location.
Officials say police arrived and found the victim conscious with multiple stab wounds to his leg, stomach, and chest.
The victim was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for emergency surgery according to police.
Detectives from the Toms River Police Department were able to determine through their investigation the make, model and license plate of a vehicle used by Latorre to flee the scene.
The vehicle was traced back to an address in Toms River where Latorre was located.
Police say Latorre, with blood on his hands, was immediately taken into custody.
Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Toms River Police Department obtained a search warrant for the residence.
Upon the execution of the search warrant, Detectives were able to recover Latorre’s bloody clothes and a knife believed to be used in the commission of the crime.
A further investigation revealed that Latorre, the victim and another individual were involved in a transaction wherein Latorre was selling the victim THC vaping cartridges and ultimately had a disagreement regarding same.
Police also charged with Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana in a Quantity of Less Than One Ounce (THC Vape Cartridges) and Possession of Less Than Fifty Grams of Marijuana (THC Vape Cartridges).
Police say Latorre is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
The victim underwent successful surgery and is in stable condition.