TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A News 12 New Jersey cameraman was allegedly attacked by a homeless man at the Toms River Library while filming a segment about a soup kitchen founded by rocker Jon Bon Jovi, according to local officials and witnesses.
The incident occurred as the crew covered the JBJ Soul Kitchen, which serves meals to those in need and operates out of the Ocean County Libary’s Toms River branch.
Key Points
- News 12 cameraman allegedly assaulted by homeless man while covering Bon Jovi-affiliated soup kitchen
- No criminal charges filed; Toms River mayor says state loitering laws limit local police action
- Mayor criticizes county officials for allowing soup kitchen inside public library
Police calls surge tied to library homeless “day shelter”
Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick confirmed he was briefed on the alleged incident but said he was unaware of specific details.
“The news crew cameraman did not file criminal charges,” Rodrick stated, saying he had no more details regarding the incident.
News 12 did not comment on the altercation.
Eyewitnesses at the downtown library said the situation unfolded during the filming of a piece on the JBJ Soul Kitchen, a volunteer-run meal program.
The mayor has previously expressed concern that the warming shelter run by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners is attracting homeless individuals from across New Jersey, many of whom gather at the library during the daytime when the shelter is closed.
Rodrick said the resulting congregation of homeless individuals has led to dozens of police responses around the municipal and county complex since January, including overdoses and reported drug and alcohol use.
It was also reported that one person overdosed at the site recently.
Officials cite state policing restrictions
“Our police department’s hands are tied,” Rodrick said, referencing New Jersey’s stance on public loitering and drug use. “Due to the state’s policy on loitering and outdoor drug use, they cannot make arrests.”
Multiple witnesses reported groups of individuals openly smoking marijuana and drinking outside the library, reinforcing concerns raised by local officials.
Police are unable to make arrests due to the state’s police directives prohibiting police action to control loitering and public marijuana use.
The mayor pointed to county leadership for allowing the soup kitchen to operate in the library, stating it was a county decision to permit the JBJ-affiliated meal program inside a public building already grappling with security and safety concerns.