Tech Writer
Ocean City Police Investigate Boardwalk Stabbing as Nearby Town Declares State of Emergency
Police in Ocean City, New Jersey, are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred on the boardwalk Saturday evening. A 15-year-old male was stabbed by an unknown male suspect and transported to a nearby hospital. The victim is expected to recover from his injuries.
Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian addressed the incident in a statement, acknowledging the challenges the town has faced in recent years during the start of Memorial Day weekend. “As in recent years and in other shore towns, Ocean City experienced a number of issues related to large crowds of teens on the Boardwalk, fights, shoplifting, and disorderly conduct,” Gillian said.
The mayor assured residents, guests, and business owners that the town will not tolerate such behavior. “Our officers made multiple arrests last night and were able to quickly restore order to the Boardwalk once the teens involved in these incidents were removed,” he added.
Gillian sent a clear message to parents and teens, stating, “If you don’t want to behave, don’t come.”
In a separate incident, the Wildwood Police Department, located further south in Cape May County, declared a state of emergency just after midnight Monday due to “numerous incidents of civil unrest.” The declaration was rescinded hours later, but the police department did not disclose whether any arrests had been made.
These incidents come amidst a nationwide shortage of lifeguards, prompting some municipalities to close or reduce operating hours for beaches and swimming pools as the weather heats up and people seek outdoor aquatic activities to cool down.
In New York City, beaches will open for Memorial Day weekend, but only 230 of the 600 lifeguards needed to fully staff and patrol the areas have been hired. NYC Mayor Eric Adams acknowledged the issue, stating, “There are some beaches that will have shortened hours or may not even be able to have a full complement because we have … a national lifeguard problem that we’re trying to resolve here in the city.”
