By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on February 3, Michael Vulpis, 26, of Freehold Borough, pled guilty to Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose before the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., in connection with an incident that occurred in Jackson Township on June 27, 2024.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated that at the time of his sentencing on April 4, 2025, the State will be seeking a term of 5 years in New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act as to the Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon charge, and 5 years NJSP - with 42 months of parole ineligibility - as to the Weapon charge; the sentences are to run concurrently.
According to OCPO officials, on June 27, 2024, at approximately 12:20 a.m., officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the area of Larsen Road for a report of a male having suffered a gunshot wound. Responding Officers found a 27-year-old male with a gunshot wound to his face.
The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of his injuries; he was treated and subsequently released, Jackson Township Police stated.
OCPO officials said that an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that the victim and a female were sitting in a parked vehicle outside of a residence on Larsen Road.
A blue sedan was parked in front of the vehicle, blocking it, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Two males exited the blue sedan, approached the vehicle, and knocked on the window. As the victim was exiting the vehicle, one of the assailants began to strike him.
During the assault, one of the assailants shot the victim in the face. The assailants then fled the area. Further investigation revealed that Vulpis was the individual who shot the victim, according to Ocean County officials.
Jackson Township police said that on July 3, 2024, Vulpis was taken into custody at his residence without incident, and initially charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been lodged since his arrest.
Continuing investigation revealed that Noah Phelps, 24, of Monroe Township, was the second assailant involved in the attack on the victim, and that Phelps and Vulpis conspired to attack the victim, OCPO officials say.
Ocean County officials said that on August 15, 2024, Phelps was charged with Attempted Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder; a warrant for his arrest was issued, and his name was entered into the National Crime Information Center database. The following day Phelps surrendered himself to the Freehold Township Police Department.
He was transported to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform, OCPO authorities stated.
During the investigation, Detectives determined that Glenn Franzson, 32, of Jackson Township, and Vulpis had conspired to contact the victim and have him provide a false statement to law enforcement regarding the investigation, Jackson Township Police stated.
As a result, Franzson was charged with Witness Tampering and Conspiracy to Commit Witness Tampering, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. On August 15, 2024, Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant on Franzson’s residence.
According to Ocean County authorities, as a result, Detectives seized a quantity of Methamphetamine and a Polymer 80 handgun (ghost gun) with a high-capacity magazine. Franzson was taken into custody at the residence without incident.
During a search incident to his arrest, Franzson was also found to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine, OCPO officials say. 
Jackson Township Police said that as a consequence, Franzson was additionally charged with Possession of a Weapon Without a Serial Number, Possession of a High-Capacity Ammunition Magazine, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Methamphetamine. Franzson was transported to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
The charges against Phelps and Franzson remain pending, OCPO authorities said.