Howell Resident Charged in Jackson Shooting

A Howell resident faces several charges after an incident this weekend that was resolved with assistance from officers from the Howell Police Department and neighboring Jackson. 

According to a press release from the Jackson Police Department, on Sunday at around 1:50 a.m. they responded to the Jackson Mills Road area about a reported shooting in the area of Chandler Rd. 

The person who reported the shooting told the officers that she had gone into Howell with her son to get some belongings from an ex-girlfriend, the press release said. After leaving the house they were reportedly followed back into Jackson by "a male acquaintance of the ex-girlfriend."

When they were stopped at the intersection of Jackson Mills and Chandler Rd. the acquaintance then reportedly turned his high headlights and fog lights on behind the car of the mother and daughter and revved his engine. He then followed them when they made a left onto Chandler Rd. 

The victim then reported hearing a gun shot and was able to get away from the man before calling police. The man was reportedly seen turning around and heading to Jackson Mills Rd. when the police were called. 

After calling the police some officers met with the victims while others went to check on other family members according to the release. Then officers said the male suspect had called the victim's son and "made admissions to shooting at their vehicle."

With the help of the Howell Police Department the suspect, later identified as 21-year-old John Desilva, of West Farms Rd. was located. The Jackson department said when officers found Desilva he was "attempting to conceal the vehicle used in the incident. "

When he was taken into custody officers also found a 12 gauge shotgun and ammunition that, according to the press release was used in the incident. 

Desilva was charged with two counts of terroristic threats, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Judge Daniel Sahin set bail at $50 thousand and he was sent to the Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail. 

Officers from Jackson and Howell were involved in the investigation and apprehension and officers from the Ocean County Sheriff's Criminal Investigation Unit also responded to help process evidence from the incident.