What allegedly began as a domestic incident in Howell escalated into gunfire, a damaged car and a runaway box truck Monday night, say township police who filed charges against the truck operator and against two brothers accused of firing the shots.

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Officers responding to a report of a tractor-trailer hitting buildings in the Countryside Apartments near West Farms Road at about 8:15 PM were met by residents who reported hearing and seeing gunshots possibly aimed at the truck.

Officers established that a car was damaged, but no structures.

Investigators allege that the box truck driver and a woman who lives in the complex were in a shouting match outside, when two brothers from a nearby apartment inserted themselves into the situation.

After an argument ensued between the man and the brothers, he climbed into the vehicle and hit a car on his way out, while they fired several handgun rounds at it, police said.

The brothers are identified as Lloyd Gomes, 29, and Ramano Gomes, 28, both listed as living on North American Drive in the township. The car is registered to Lloyd Gomes, police said.

The bullets penetrated the truck but missed the driver, police said. Officers in Freehold Township found the vehicle near the Freehold Raceway Mall.

The driver is charged with domestic violence harassment offenses. The woman, witnesses were questioned and the investigation continues.

According to Detective Sergeant Christian Antunez, the box truck driver facing domestic charges is also a victim in relation to the shooting, and the woman he allegedly confronted is a witness to a crime.

The Gomes brothers are charted with possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes. They were placed in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold in lieu of $75,000 full bail.

Detective Corporal Nancy Carroll heads the probe. If you are aware of the incident and have information that can help the investigation advance, she can be reached at 732-938-4575, extension 2884.

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