Chaotic weekend on Jersey Shore boardwalks with fights, stabbings and state of emergency

The summer season got off to a chaotic start on the Jersey Shore with police action on at least three of the state's most popular boardwalks over Memorial Day weekend.

Wildwood, Ocean City and Seaside Heights all had incidents requiring police response Saturday or Sunday, ranging from a false alarm about a shooter that sent crowds running to the shooting of a 15-year-old during of a big fight.

Wildwood police closed the town's boardwalk overnight and declared a state of emergency due to what police called “civil unrest.”

In the most serious incident, a teenager was stabbed on the boardwalk in Ocean City, Cape May County, as part of a larger fight that resulted in several arrests, the police said. police.

The 15-year-old was injured during the fight on the 10th Street Promenade shortly after 9 p.m., police said. His injuries were described as not life-threatening.

Several people were arrested and the fighting was “quickly” broken up, authorities said.

“I understand the impact this behavior has on all of our residents, guests and business owners, and I want to assure everyone that Ocean City will not tolerate it,” said Ocean City Mayor, Jay Gillian. “Ocean City will always be welcoming to all guests, but I want to send a clear message to parents and teens: 'If you don't want to behave properly, don't come.'”

It's unclear exactly what happened in Wildwood Sunday night overnight, while a curfew is in effect for those under 18. A state of emergency has been declared in the Cape May County resort town due to “civil unrest,” officials said. Unruly crowds and teenagers violating curfew were reported.

“Out of an abundance of caution due to emerging conditions resulting from civil unrest threatening the public health, safety and welfare of our residents and visitors, the City of Wildwood has declared a state of emergency in order to maintain order audience. falls under our jurisdiction,” Wildwood police said on social media before reopening the boardwalk at 6 a.m.

Wildwood officials did not respond to a request for comment Monday morning.

And in Seaside Heights, in Ocean County, a false alarm about shots fired Saturday night sent crowds running. Beachgoers ran off the boardwalk and into the street as officers were called to try to find potential shooters or victims.

But the reports of shots fired were all false alarms, and the night continued as usual once police cleared the scene, Seaside Heights Detective Steve Korman said Sunday.

Memorial Day is expected to be less crowded on the Jersey Shore as severe thunderstorms are expected to spoil the holiday. The National Weather Service says damaging winds and hail are likely and a “tornado cannot be ruled out.”

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Katie Kausch can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @Katie Kausch.