WILDWOOD, NJ – Five men have been arrested in connection with the violent assault of an off-duty Stone Harbor police officer who was attacked while jogging on the Wildwood Boardwalk, authorities announced.
The attack, which occurred on the evening of March 12, left the officer with significant injuries, including a concussion and facial fractures. Detectives from the Wildwood Police Department and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit determined that the assault was unprovoked and carried out by a group of individuals who had traveled to Wildwood from Gloucester and Camden Counties.
Following an investigation, authorities executed arrest and search warrants in both counties, leading to the arrests of Isaiah Ortiz, 19, of Lindenwold; Elijah Williams, 19, of Deptford; William Jewell, 20, of Magnolia; Manuel Ortiz, 21, of Lindenwold; and Maliky Reyes, 20, of Stafford.
Isaiah Ortiz and Elijah Williams were charged with second-degree aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit assault. Ortiz also faces a third-degree charge for failing to render aid to the victim. Both were lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Facility. Jewell, Manuel Ortiz, and Reyes were charged with third-degree failure to render aid and were released on summonses.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland and Wildwood Police Chief Joseph Murphy praised the swift response of law enforcement and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the area. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.