SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — For the third consecutive night, the Seaside Heights boardwalk was the host of multiple large scale brawls, disorderly conduct, and a stabbing. It was the third stabbing, with one occurring Friday and earlier in the evening on Saturday.
One cop was attacked, a bathroom attendendent was attacked and a gun was found during a brawl on the north end of the boardwalk.
A wave of violent incidents overnight led the Seaside Heights Chief of Police Thomas Boyd to shut down the boardwalk early Sunday morning, as multiple fights, stabbings, a gun recovery, and an officer assault overwhelmed local law enforcement.
The situation escalated around 11:22 p.m. Saturday, when a fight was reported near the Spicy Cantina. Two individuals fled from responding officers westbound on Sheridan Avenue. Minutes later, at 11:28 p.m., a large crowd began forming near the Aztec Motel. During a foot pursuit, an open radio mic inadvertently hindered coordination, allowing suspects to escape and drawing additional crowds after a law enforcement officer was assaulted.
By 12:03 a.m., the Seaside Heights Boardwalk was officially shut down by order of the Chief Boyd Authorities cited escalating violence and the presence of armed individuals as immediate safety concerns. One officer on scene described the atmosphere as “uncontrollable.”
With K-9 in tow, police formed a line across the boardwalk and began clearing it, ordering all patrons to leave.
At approximately 12:10 a.m., another stabbing was reported near Kearney Avenue and Ocean Terrace. The victim, suffering a leg injury, prompted the request of a medevac, which landed at the J Street Marina. The Seaside Heights Police Department initiated a mass evacuation of the boardwalk due to the active crime scene. Ocean County Sheriff’s officers were called in for support as large crowds remained on Ocean Terrace.
Firearm recovered and suspect arrested in latest altercation
Around 12:29 a.m., yet another fight broke out at Blain Avenue and Ocean Terrace. Shortly after, at 1:03 a.m., a major altercation occurred at Grant Avenue and the Ocean Block. Police recovered a firearm at the scene and took one suspect into custody.
This marks the third stabbing in Seaside Heights over the course of the weekend. Major Crimes detectives remain on the scene as of early Sunday morning. There has been no word yet on additional arrests or charges stemming from the string of incidents.
Law enforcement has not confirmed the identities of those involved in the assaults or stabbing incidents, and the conditions of the injured parties have not been publicly released.
Violence erupted in Seaside Heights overnight, triggering a boardwalk shutdown as police responded to stabbings, crowds, and armed suspects.
Arrests made overnight:
Joseph Blake was charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
