Prosecutor Comments About Ocean City & Wildwood, NJ Violence

Cape May County, New Jersey Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland has shared his first public comments regarding the Memorial Day Weekend violent incidents that took place in Ocean City and Wildwood, New Jersey.

The actions that took place ”during the evening hours by large groups of teens and young adults on the boardwalk, in Wildwood and Ocean City, resulting in extended and intense police activities could have resulted in much more significant injuries to people and damage to property,” said Sutherland.

Sutherland commended both municipalities for the prompt corrective action that they took, saying:

The City of Wildwood and Wildwood Police took the proper action to declare civil unrest and close the boardwalk to maintain control and prevent things from escalating. The isolated stabbing and other fighting incident on the Ocean City Boardwalk were quickly contained and controlled by the police. The investigation of the stabbing is continuing and charges will be issued. The police in both Ocean City and Wildwood (with the assistance of Officers from the County Sheriff's Department and Detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office) should be commended with how they handled difficult situations. Everyone in our shore communities in Cape May County can be assured that law enforcement is here to make our visitors, families and residents safe so they can enjoy their stays, create positive memories and continue family traditions, said Sutherland.

Sutherland concluded by making it clear that those who engage in unlawful conduct such as this will be held to account, saying:

“For those who come to our communities to create unrest, be forewarned that your bad decisions and bad actions will not be tolerated and law enforcement will use all legal measures to arrest and charge all violators. Instead of capturing positive memories you will be issued charges to answer to and possible permanent records that will impact your future,” said Sutherland.

Prosecutor Sutherland wants to remind the public to help law enforcement by reporting information about any criminal activity to the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office at 609-465-1135 or anonymously on the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office website at cmepo.tips or through the Cape May County Sheriff's Tip Line at cmesheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or to the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-889-3597.

New Jersey Senator Michael Testa has also spoken about the violent incidents as follows:

SOURCE: Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland.