PA Teen Accused of Organizing Wildwood, NJ, Boardwalk Takeover Arrested

Wildwood, N.J. — Wildwood police arrested a teenager from Pennsylvania on the Fourth of July after authorities say he promoted an unsanctioned "takeover" event on social media that targeted the city's boardwalk.

19-year-old Stephen Kerrin of Elkins Park, PA, was charged with disturbance at a public gathering.

Social Media Post Triggers Boardwalk Response

On the afternoon of July 4th, Wildwood Police detectives were alerted by New Jersey Transit Police to a social media post promoting a takeover event on the boardwalk. Investigators said they spent hours trying to identify the promoter and get the post removed, but neither effort succeeded.

Meanwhile, the department mobilized officers to sections of the boardwalk as a precaution. Some boardwalk business owners removed items from their storefronts ahead of the anticipated crowd.

Wildwood, NJ, Boardwalk - Photo: Chris Coleman

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Bike Unit Makes the Arrest

As the afternoon progressed, officers dispersed several small groups along the wooden walkway. As the investigation continued, detectives obtained a photo of the suspected promoter and distributed it to officers on patrol.

Just after 6 PM in the 2600 block of the boardwalk, officers on the bike unit stopped a man matching the description. That man was identified as Kerrin, per officials.

Chief Credits His Officers

Wildwood Police Chief Joseph Murphy credited the department's preparation and praised partner agencies, including NJ Transit Police, New Jersey State Police, the Cape May County Sheriff's Department, and the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office, for their assistance.

Murphy said in a social media post, "To those who think they can bring this type of disruptive and unlawful behavior to the City of Wildwood, I assure you we will do everything in our power to identify you and charge you to the full extent of the law."

Kerrin was processed on a summons and released under New Jersey Bail Reform.

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