Central Jersey Exists | Rest Stop Slaying | Cops Can Smoke Pot

Hello NJ Patch readers! We've assembled some of the most share-worthy stories from the state this week you may have missed.

1. Police said 40 shots were fired during gunfire that erupted Sunday morning in a South Jersey city, injuring a 14-year-old girl and a 36-year-old woman. Officials are searching for suspects after the shooting in Millville. (Read more on Patch.)

2. Officials have charged a man accused of fatally stabbing a 22-year-old woman who was leaving her shift at a New Jersey Turnpike rest stop, and then running her over. The 23-year-old man faces a murder charge and other charges in connection with the slaying at the Woodrow Wilson Service Area, said state police. (Read more on Patch.)

3. A massive search for two 5-year-olds ended with the children being found safely, and officials are still investigating what exactly happened. The parents told police that the children were playing in front of their homes, and reported them missing Tuesday evening. (Read more on Patch.)

4. A newly-signed bill will officially recognize Central Jersey as a region, and the state tourism office will promote it as a go-to destination in the Garden State. A sponsor of the bill said Central Jersey's recognition as a hub of tourism, innovation, and history "is long overdue."(Read more on Patch.)

5. Recent decisions upheld a New Jersey police officer's right to use cannabis off-duty, after four officers were fired in the same city over the issue. State law allows police to consume cannabis off-duty, as long as they're sober on the job, and one mayor says he'll fight the officers' possible reinstatement. (Read more on Patch.)