Closed boardwalks, crowds running on a packed boardwalk, increased police activity as well as a stabbing incident happened on Memorial Day weekend at some of New Jersey’s most popular beaches. There were also reports of shots fired, but police confirmed that was not true.
A chaotic holiday weekend down the shore has led to a stricter enforcement of Seaside Heights' curfew. Now through Labor Day, a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew will be in effect for all Tom’s River's Barrier Island communities. Anyone under 18 will have to be with a parent or guardian.
Wildwood declared a state of emergency in the overnight hours from Sunday to Monday, shutting down the boardwalk for six hours. Officials say there was a high volume of emergency calls that overwhelmed first responders.
Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano, Jr. released a statement in support of the decision to declare an emergency. "Wildwood will not tolerate unruly, undisciplined, unparented children nor will we stand by while the laws of the state tie the hands of the police," he said.
New Jersey State PBA posted a statement on social media addressing the weekend Shore chaos and wrote, "It will be a long summer if we don’t hold parents responsible. We all deserve better.”
In Ocean City, police are searching for the person who stabbed a 15-year-old boy on the boardwalk.
It happened Saturday night when a fight broke out. The victim is expected to be OK.
The Cape May Prosecutor's Office said the investigation into the stabbing incident continues and charges will be issued.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the police at 609-399-9111.
