A former firefighter has been arrested after allegedly arming himself with a gun and bulletproof vest before driving eight hours from Maine to New Jersey with the intention of harming his ex-girlfriend’s family. According to police Brian Lanzim concocted the deranged plan after his girlfriend broke up with him over FaceTime.
Lanzim was shot by a police officer in New Jersey before he was able to carry out the plan as per People. The 37-year-old is now facing multiple charges which include attempted murder. A news release from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office stated that officers responded to threats made against residents of a home on Dover road by Lanzim on April 29th.
According to authorities Lanzim had indicated that he intended to travel from Maine to the residence in South Toms River, and that he was armed. Officers waited in the area and were present when he arrived outside the home. Lanzim then drove his vehicle towards the law enforcement who took cover behind a fence. He then exited the vehicle and made an attempt to enter the residence.
Lanzim was confronted by police outside the home and he was subsequently disarmed after an officer discharged their firearm, striking the suspect in the pelvis and hand. He was then arrested.
Lanzim’s alleged plan explained
Brian Lanzim had been a firefighter for 18 years but had recently moved to Maine for a new job. He apparently set out on his eight hour trip after his girlfriend, whom he shares two kids with, broke up with him over FaceTime. After she ended the relationship Lanzim allegedly made threatening comments which prompted her to file a restraining order against him.
Over the FaceTime call Lanzim allegedly told her, “You don’t know crazy yet,” she also claimed to have heard a gun clicking during the call. Lanzim then followed up with several texts in which he told his ex, “If your father is there, I’m going to have to take him out,” “If I can’t have you, no one can,” and “If you stand between me and my kids, I’m going to do what I need to do,” after she threatened to go to the police.
Lanzim’s ex alerted police of her ex’s threats which is why they were able to catch him before he was able to make good on his alleged threats. During his hearing on May 8th assistant prosecutor Mara Brater said that Lanzim “was ready for war,” with two firearms, a bulletproof vest, and 15 high calibre magazines in the trunk of his vehicle. The prosecution alleged that he intended to kill or seriously harm somebody. His defense stated Lanzim has bipolar disorder and claimed he underwent a severe mental health crisis.
Brian Lanzim is currently being held in Ocean County Jail without bail.
Published: May 11, 2026 02:53 pm