SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ – One boy was shot, another stabbed, and mass panic ensued in four Jersey Shore towns this Memorial Day weekend. Those incidents led police to enforce curfews for minors and in one town, even led to the complete closure of the boardwalk.
11-Year-Old Boy Shot in Atlantic City
On Friday, night, an 11-year-old boy was shot in Atlantic City. Police later arrested two women in connection with the shooting.
Panic and Mayhem in Seaside Heights
On Saturday, mayhem ensued at the Seaside Heights boardwalk after a suspected ‘gunshot’ caused panic, leading to teens and young adults running from the boardwalk. Police responded in force, but no shooting evidence was found. Later, social media users attributed the loud bang to the backfiring of a car.
Crowds of unruly teens ruled the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, forcing the police department to strictly enforce the borough’s 10 pm curfew on minors.
Stabbing on Ocean City Boardwalk
Ocean City, New Jersey also enforced its teen curfew after a stabbing. A 15-year-old boy was stabbed Saturday night near a popular amusement pier, sparking concerns about youth violence in the area. The incident occurred around 9:12 PM, not far from the boardwalk attractions.
That came amid other concerns of unrest in the city by crowds of teens and young adults. The stabbing caused a stampede of people running from the scene and off the boardwalk.
Wildwood Shuts Down Boardwalk After Civil Unrest
In Wildwood, police were forced to close the famous boardwalk at midnight after crowds of unruly teens causing disturbances led police to make their decision.
The Wildwood Police Department issued the following statement at about 12:20 a.m. on Monday, May 27:
“Out of an abundance of caution due to emergent conditions that have resulted from civil unrest threatening the public health, safety, and welfare of our residents and visitors alike, the City of Wildwood has declared a state of emergency in order to maintain law and order within our jurisdiction. At this time, access to the Wildwood Boardwalk has been restricted and you are asked to avoid the area. Updates will be provided as they become available. Thank you for your cooperation,” the department said.
Toms River Enforces Teen Curfew
Amid unrest in neighboring towns, Toms River Township has announced it will enforce its teen curfew on the barrier island in communities such as Ortley Beach.
Police here reminded that the curfew is in effect through Labor Day in Toms River’s barrier island communities, including Ortley Beach and the northern beaches. Juveniles 17 and under are barred from being out on the streets without an adult from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.