POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ – Two individuals were stabbed on the beach in Point Pleasant Beach on Labor Day, capping the end of a very bizarre summer in the small seaside borough. Point Pleasant Chief Joseph A. Michigan confirmed two individuals were stabbed Monday afternoon just north of the Jenkinson’s Pavilion.
A group of witnesses claims the two groups of individuals had been verbally fighting during the day on the beach.
“They had been fighting and exchanging words the whole time. It started verbally, then got into punching, pushing and physical,” one witness on the beach told Shore News Network. “A friend broke it up, then we all thought everything was done. It was copasetic. Next thing ya know, that’s when the stabbing happened.”
Some girls nearby started yelling, “He has a knife!”
“I’ve never seen so much blood,” the witness said. “It’s like somebody had to get a final word in.”
Witnesses said the verbal argument between two Hispanic males and two African-American males were trading disparaging racial barbs with each other.
Michigan said the stabbing was the result of a fight on the beach involving an individual with a knife. When police arrived, two individuals who suffered stab wounds were rushed to Jersey Shore Medical Hospital. Chief Michigan said two suspects were apprehended nearby and that no further threat to the public existed regarding the incident.
Police officers and beach security guards quickly helped the victims.
Impressive rapid response by life guards, police and staff to stabbing at Point pleasant beach today. @news12nj pic.twitter.com/HAydnwgfN5
— Michael Reavis (@michaelreavis) September 7, 2020
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Point Pleasant Beach Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are now conducting an investigation.
The incident comes days after Mayor Paul Kanitra said the end was in sight to a safe summer in the boro.
“After an unprecedented pandemic, and a subsequently crazy summer, we’re almost to the finish line. We’re proud of how we’ve kept this town safe, and we’re rolling out an incredible new resource for our residents and guests to report any issues of concern ahead of this busy Labor Day weekend,” Kanitra said.
Kanitra laid some of the blame of the stabbing on Jenkinson’s, the local beach, and bar operator that he has been at odds with over public consumption of alcohol. Last week, Jenkinson’s sued the boro over an ordinance to prohibit alcohol on the beach. Neither Chief Michigan nor Prosecutor Billhimer alluded that the consumption of alcohol was a contributing factor in the stabbing attacks.
“Considering the tragic events of the past hour, I certainly hope Jenkinsons will finally see the light and drop their counterproductive lawsuit that undermines our ability to protect residents and visitors alike,” Kanitra said shortly after the stabbings. “We should be working together as one on this front. This cannot stand in Point Pleasant Beach.”
Joe Rullo, a Shore News Network contributor happened to be on the beach at the time of the incident.
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