Details On Fatal Shooting Of Jersey Shore Man Wanted In Kidnap

A 39-year-old Manahawkin man who was wanted for kidnapping was fatally shot in Mantoloking on Monday as police tried to arrest him, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

Edward M. Walsh was fatally shot by police during the execution of a warrant for his arrest, according to the OCPO.

Walsh was wanted for kidnapping, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and theft of the victim/girlfriend’s vehicle, a third degree offense.

Walsh was charged in connection with an incident involving his girlfriend on Sunday, when he left her at her Sayreville residence, then stole her vehicle and drove to Lacey Township, according to the OCPO. It wasn't entirely clear why Walsh was charged with kidnapping.

The Lacey Township Police Department received information that Walsh was at 914 Barnegat Lane in Mantoloking. Detectives believed that Walsh was there because he was previously married to a family member of the prior owner.

At 11:47 a.m. on Monday, Lacey Township Police contacted the Mantoloking Police Department to alert them of Walsh’s presence. Three Mantoloking police officers, one Ocean County Sheriff’s officer with K-9 Officer Kane and one Bay Head police officer were dispatched to 914 Barnegat Lane, according to the OCPO.

After approximately 45 minutes, and with the permission of the current homeowner, the police entered the residence and commanded Walsh to drop a knife, according to the OCPO.

He refused, and after the K-9 dog officer Kane was released. Walsh, who was within approximately 20 feet of the officers, stabbed the dog with a knife, according to the OCPO.

The officers then fired.

Walsh also had a self-inflicted knife wound across his neck, according to the OCPO. The Ocean County Medical Examiner pronounced Walsh dead on the scene. An autopsy is pending.

"K-9 Officer Kane was transported to Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls and thankfully is expected to make a full recovery and be released tomorrow,” Billhimer said.

Local officials asked people to stay away from the area early Tuesday.

The Asbury Park Press showed a video where police vehicles were parked along both sides of Barnegat Lane in the seaside borough.

Mantoloking, which is located south of Bay Head, is not known for its crime. It's known more for its million-dollar homes that stretch along the waterfront off Route 35.

Much of the borough was damaged and even destroyed by Superstorm Sandy, but Mantoloking has largely rebuilt itself.

This is a developing story. Patch will have information as it comes in.

Photo courtesy of News12