Freehold Man Charged With Attempted Murder In Ocean County

MONMOUTH/OCEAN COUNTY – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 3, 2024, Michael Vulpis, 26, of Freehold Borough, was 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 or Ammunition, in connection with an incident that occurred in Jackson Township on June 27, 2024.

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.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, revealed that the victim and a female were sitting in a parked vehicle outside of a residence on Larsen Road. A blue sedan then parked in front of the vehicle – blocking it in. 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. On July 3, 2024, Vulpis was taken into custody at his residence in Freehold Borough without incident. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Emergency Response Team, Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Jackson Township Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Freehold Township Police Department, and Freehold Borough Police Department, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.