Suspect Sought in Pheasant Hunting Shooting

Authorities are looking for the public's help in identifying a man wanted in a hunting incident that left a Manchester man and his son wounded.

The state's Division of Fish and Wildlife Bureau of Law Enforcement released a composite sketch today of the alleged shooter, who is sought for questioning in his reputed role in the Dec. 17 shooting at the Colliers Mill Wildlife Management Area in Jackson Township.

A 60-year-old Manchester man and his 34-year-old son, from Jackson, were struck while hunting pheasant in high grass at Colliers Mill, said Mark Chicketano, acting chief of the state division. He said the shooter took aim at a pheasant and fired a series of pellets at the bird, but struck the pair instead.

The shooter was standing only 20 yards from the father and son when he fired, Chicketano said. The Manchester man was struck four times in the face while the Jackson man was hit by five pellets — one in the forehead, two in his cheeks and two in his hand.

Both men were treated at the scene and later received attention at Community Medical Center in Toms River, Chicketano said.

The shooter is described as a white male in his mid 30s, with a medium build, about 6-feet-tall, 180 to 200 pounds, with dark brown hair and light blue or green eyes.

Anyone with information or with knowledge of the alleged shooter is asked to call 877-927-6337.