Wildwood Crest, NJ — A Wildwood Crest man faces first-degree robbery and aggravated assault charges after police said he attacked another man in broad daylight, placed him in a chokehold, and attempted to steal his bag during a violent struggle that left the victim struggling to breathe.
Officers with the Wildwood Crest Police Department responded around 11 a.m. Thursday to the area of Morning Glory Road and Park Boulevard after receiving reports of two men fighting, according to police.
When officers arrived, they found an adult male victim suffering from multiple visible injuries to his head and upper body. Police said officers also observed redness around the victim’s neck and signs that he was having difficulty breathing following the confrontation.
Investigators later identified the suspect as 42-year-old David Cozza of Wildwood Crest.
Witnesses and Video Led to Arrest
According to the Wildwood Crest Police Department, detectives determined during the investigation that Cozza allegedly attacked the victim while attempting to take a bag from the victim’s possession.
Police said witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence collected at the scene indicated the suspect allegedly placed the victim in a chokehold during the altercation.
Investigators also documented damage to the victim’s bag and injuries they said were consistent with a physical struggle.
The assault happened in a public area during the late morning hours, drawing a rapid response from both patrol officers and detectives.
Key Points
• Wildwood Crest police charged a 42-year-old man with robbery and aggravated assault
• Investigators said the suspect allegedly placed the victim in a chokehold during the attack
• The victim suffered visible injuries and showed signs of breathing difficulty, police said
Suspect Lodged in Cape May County Jail
Police said David Cozza was taken into custody without incident following the investigation.
He was charged with first-degree robbery under New Jersey statute 2C:15-1a(1) and second-degree aggravated assault under statute 2C:12-1B(1).
Authorities lodged Cozza in the Cape May County Correctional Facility in accordance with New Jersey Attorney General guidelines tied to Criminal Justice Bail Reform policies and directives.
The Wildwood Crest Police Department did not release additional details about the victim or whether the two men knew each other before the incident.
Investigation Focused on Physical Evidence
Police credited both the patrol and detective divisions with quickly securing witness accounts and reviewing evidence tied to the alleged assault.
Investigators said the combination of witness statements, video footage, and physical evidence helped establish probable cause for the charges.
No additional suspects were announced, and police did not indicate whether further charges could follow.
The case remains under the jurisdiction of the Wildwood Crest Police Department and Cape May County prosecutors as court proceedings move forward.
