Three Charged In Toms River Heroin Case; Weapon Fired, Attempted Car Assault

Two Toms River residents were also arrested amid a series of events that led to the discovery of drug suspect, a discharged gun and an assault-by-auto attempt on Wednesday.

The events began in front of 182 Old Orchard Road West, Toms River, when a vehicle eluded police and was recovered in front of 1888 White Knoll Drive. The alleged driver, Shamar S. Kerr, fled on foot.

Two other occupants of vehicle remained in vehicle and were immediately detained by police without incident.

The vehicle was a 2014 Silver Ford Focus, bearing NJ registration (J82DVL), The individuals inside the vehicle were charged with the following:

Kerr, 24, of Jackson was charged with attempted murder, eluding, possession of heroin, possession with intent to distribute.  Bail set at $500,000.00 cash only.

Others arrested were:

Front seat passenger - Candido A. Jackson, 26, of Toms River was charged with possession of heroin, possession with intent to distribute.  Bail set at $200,000.00 cash only.

Rear seat passenger - Jessica N. Curcio, 23, of Toms River was charged with possession of heroin, possession with intent to distribute. Bail set at $75,000.00 Full

The two officers involved were transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for evaluation and released early Thursday. 

Authorities identified Kerr as a drug suspect who allegedly tried to strike a police officer with his car Wednesday in the Grand Woodlands development in Toms River, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Toms River Police Sgt. Keith Diehl located the suspect Kerr at approximately 8:42 p.m. in the area of an Exxon Gas Station located at 2096 Route 9 near the intersection of Rt9 and Cox Cro Road in Toms River. 

Kerr was taken into custody without incident, authorities said. 

The investigation revealed:

Toms River Police officers were on foot when they approached a vehicle earlier today that was suspected of being involved in drug activity within the residential neighborhood.

The driver attempted to run a police officer over with his car; the officer discharged his service weapon, according to the prosecutor's office.  The driver fled the vehicle on foot. 

He has been charged with Attempted Murder, Eluding Police, and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute.  His bail will be set at $500,000.