Teen Arrested With Stolen Gun After Wildwood Boardwalk Theft Report

Wildwood, N.J. — What started as a theft investigation on the Wildwood Boardwalk over the holiday weekend ended with a 16-year-old in custody and a loaded 9mm handgun off the street.

The Wildwood Police Department said on Sunday, its officers responded to the area of Glenwood Avenue and the Boardwalk for a report of a theft. The victim reported his car keys and credit cards had been stolen.

By the time officers arrived, his debit card had already been used at multiple area businesses, including at Wawa.

Officers pulled surveillance footage and spoke with an employee at that store who provided them with a description of the suspect. With that information, officers began to search the area.

Wildwood, NJ - Photo: Chris Coleman

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Caught at the Bus Terminal

Their work led them to the Wildwood bus terminal where they located an unidentified 16-year-old New Jersey resident, and following a brief struggle, he was taken into custody.

The department said a search turned up the victim's stolen property, along with a stolen 9mm handgun. That gun was loaded, with a hollow-point round already chambered.

It also turned out the teenager was already wanted in connection with a separate robbery investigation out of Millville.

Charges

The teenager was charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, fourth-degree possession of prohibited ammunition, third-degree fraudulent use of a credit card, third-degree receiving stolen property, fourth-degree possession of a firearm by a minor, and resisting arrest. He was remanded to a juvenile detention facility pending a hearing.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com