Violent Start to New Year

A New Year's Eve party ended in gunfire when at least three people were shot at a South Jersey hotel.

The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. at the Ramada Inn on Route 9 in Toms River, according to police.

Authorities say one person was shot in the chest and that victim along with another were transported by medivac to an area trauma center.

A third victim was taken to a Lakewood hospital by private vehicle, according to police.

When officers arrived on the scene, as many as five people were seen climbing out of a second-story hotel room window onto a neighboring roof, according to police.

Officers went room to room in the Ramada Inn, where at least 30 people filled hallways and suites, to determine if there were any additional victims and search for potential suspects.

The hotel is a popular spot for young people to gather for celebrations in the seside town.

Investigators are searching for a gold, four-door Mercedes with the partial license plate of ZVU.

At least 30 people were in the Ramada Inn and its hallways

Police say, as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, one victim was undergoing surgery, another was in critical condition, and the third victim's condition was unavailable.