Toms River Boy Dies from Gunshot

A young boy from Toms River has died, authorities say, after being shot by a four-year-old neighbor Monday night.

Toms River Police Chief Mike Mastronardy said the two boys were playing in a yard when the four-year-old went inside his family's home and came out with a .22 caliber rifle.

"A shot went out, and a six-year-old was struck in the head," Mastronardy said.

The Asbury Park Press identifies the victim as Brandon Holt, one of three children.

Initial reports claim the boys were 15 yards apart. Mastronardy said the victim was sitting in a go-kart/golf cart. He added that the parents were "nearby" for the incident; it was the four-year-old's mother who called 9-1-1 just before 7 p.m.

The victim was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato could not offer much detail on the incident, including where the gun was located inside the home. Mastronardy confirmed that more than one weapon was recovered inside the home. Officials canceled a 3 p.m. press conference scheduled for today.

Townsquare Media's Jason Allentoff , Rosetta Key and Tom Mongelli contributed to this report.