Manhunt After Long Branch Man Shot Jersey Shore Teen In Back: PO

A search is underway for an 18-year-old man who shot a Jersey Shore teen in the back this week, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

Detectives are looking for Marc Zayas, 18, of Long Branch in connection with the shooting of an 18-year old Neptune City man that occurred on Thursday afternoon, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

Zayas is charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Long Branch Police responded to a call around 12:01 p.m. on Thursday afternoon for shots in the vicinity of 63 Morris Avenue. Police arrived to find an 18-year old male victim suffering from a gunshot to the back.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where he is currently in critical, but stable condition, according to the MCPO.

A joint investigation was immediately launched by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Long Branch Police Department. Efforts to locate Zayas are active and ongoing, and involve the collaborative efforts of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Long Branch Police Department, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and other Monmouth County law enforcement authorities.

Gramiccioni is urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Zayas to come forward.

“We are now asking the community for their help in bringing Marc Zayas to justice,” Gramiccioni stated.

Gramiccioni warned that police are prepared to charge any individuals who play a role in obstructing the apprehension of Zayas or those who assist in concealing him from law enforcement officials.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Wayne Raynor at 800-533-7443 or Long Branch Police Department Detective Nicholas Romano at 732-547-3949.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.

Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives

MCPO photo