Missing Ocean County Man Sought By Authorities

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Authorities are seeking the public's help in finding a missing Ocean County man who was last seen Thursday in Toms River.

John Applegate, also known as "Bubby" Applegate, was last seen March 23 in the area between Community Medical Center and the Garden State Parkway, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said in a post on the department's Facebook page.

The post said Applegate is being sought by the prosecutor's office's Major Crime Unit, the Toms River Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff's Office.

Applegate was last seen wearing a black jersey, light-colored jeans, and white shoes. He has distinct gauges — large earrings — in both ears, the post said.

"Various investigative methods have indicated that Applegate may have traveled to the area of Johnson’s/Fischer’s pits in Berkeley Township," authorities said.

Anyone who may have information on his whereabouts are asked to contact Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. John Carroll at 732-929-2027, ext. 3964, or Toms River Detective Jason Putkowski at 732-349-0150.