Jackson Township, New Jersey – Michael Vulpis, 26, of Freehold Borough, recently pled guilty to Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in connection with an incident that occurred on June 27, 2024, in Jackson Township. Authorities in Ocean County made this announcement, with Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer revealing that Vulpis will face a five-year term in New Jersey State Prison for each charge, to be served concurrently.
The incident took place in the early hours of June 27, 2024, when officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to a call about a male who had been shot on Larsen Road. The victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to his face, was treated at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and later released.
Investigations by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that the victim was shot during an altercation outside a residence on Larsen Road. Vulpis was identified as the individual responsible for the shooting.
Following Vulpis’s arrest, it was discovered that Noah Phelps, 24, of Monroe Township, was the second assailant involved in the attack. Phelps and Vulpis allegedly conspired to harm the victim. Phelps was subsequently charged with Attempted Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Glenn Franzson, 32, of Jackson Township, and Vulpis had planned to deceive the victim into providing a false statement to law enforcement. Franzson was charged with Witness Tampering and Conspiracy to Commit Witness Tampering.
Further searches led to the discovery of Methamphetamine and a Polymer 80 handgun in Franzson’s possession. He was apprehended without incident and faced additional charges related to possession of illegal substances and weapons.
Phelps and Franzson are still facing pending charges, according to Ocean County officials. The investigation into the incident continues as authorities work to bring all involved parties to justice.