Toms River North football player charged after man was beaten and robbed

Police have arrested three people and are searching for a fourth in connection with the alleged attack and robbery of a Toms River man on June 1.

Among those arrested is Toms River North High School football player Asante Moorer, 18 — part of the team that earned its sixth sectional title last year.

Toms River Police say a 23-year-old contacted authorities on June 1 at 4 p.m. and said he had been robbed by several people.

The alleged victim told police he was near the basketball courts at the Winteringham Village residential complex when the incident occurred, police said.

"He was grabbed from behind and held while he was repeatedly punched in the face. He lost consciousness for a short period of time and when he awoke, the suspects were going through his pants pockets and backpack," police said.

According to authorities, the 23-year-old reported that the suspects fled the scene after stealing his cell phone and wallet. Three of the suspects were located by officers a short time later at the Hampton Garden Apartments on James Street, police said.

Police arrested two 17-year-olds and charged them with second-degree robbery. Police also charged one of the juveniles with marijuana possession. The names of the juveniles have not been released. After being charged, they were released to the custody of their parents, police say.

Police also charged Moorer with receiving stolen property for allegedly taking possession of the victim's money following the robbery. He was later released on bail.

According to authorities, a fourth suspect, identified as 24-year-old Jorge Ratliff, is still at large. Police believe the man has ties to both Toms River and New Brunswick. His bail has been set at $50,000 in connection with the incident. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to notify police at 732-349-0150.