Teen Arrested in Wildwood Boardwalk Shooting After Fireworks Panic

WILDWOOD, N.J. — A 17-year-old male from Pennsauken has been arrested following a shooting incident on the Wildwood boardwalk that caused panic among visitors already on edge due to fireworks earlier that night. At about 1 a.m. on July 5, Wildwood Police officers on patrol heard multiple gunshots near Cedar and Atlantic avenues. Officers responded quickly and observed a male suspect fleeing on foot. The suspect ran through the crowded boardwalk, discarding a loaded 9mm handgun along the way. The weapon was recovered near Cedar Avenue along with sixteen 9mm shell casings at the scene. No injuries were reported in the incident. Later that afternoon, detectives located the primary suspect on the boardwalk near Spencer Avenue. He, along with three others, was detained for questioning. Following the investigation, the 17-year-old was charged with second-degree aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, fourth-degree aggravated assault for pointing a firearm, and possession of a high-capacity magazine. The juvenile was transported to the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center. Wildwood Police acknowledged the assistance of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and Cape May County Sheriff’s Department in resolving the situation.