SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ – Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz and the Seaside Heights Police Department dealt with large crowds, unruly teens, and pandemonium after a false report of a gunshot this past Memorial Day weekend.
According to police, nearly 100 people, including teens and adults, were arrested over the weekend. Police reported that 18 juveniles and 72 adults were arrested.
A report of gunfire sent people running in panic as police, armed with assault rifles charged up the boardwalk, ready for an active shooter response. Luckily. it was a false alarm.
That action prompted the borough to enforce its 10 pm juvenile curfew strictly. But it was too late.
According to an interview with Mayor Anthony Vaz, some local boardwalk shopkeepers were on edge and closed for the night. According to Vaz, they were concerned about their safety and about shoplifting.
Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy commended his department and supporting agencies for responding to the incident.
“There were reports of shots fired on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights,” Mastronardy said. “This was a false report and did not happen Thanks to our partners for assisting in assuring the safety of all was carried out during a very busy evening. Social media at times can spread information which is not true- However we have a responsibility to make sure the public is safe.”
Now Vaz and other mayors along the Jersey Shore have a very difficult task ahead of them. They need to balance the new juvenile criminal justice reforms mandated by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and balance the need for public order and safety. At the same time, they have to figure out a way to ensure vacationing families that their hard-earned once-a-summer trip to the Jersey Shore won’t be spoiled by out-of-control teens who know the local police departments have been handcuffed by the governor’s office to enforce the laws of their community and to maintain peace and order.