CNBNews

Cape May County, NJ – Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland and Wildwood Police Department Chief Joseph Murphy announce arrests made regarding the ongoing investigation of an assault that occurred on the Wildwood Boardwalk on the evening of March 12, 2025.

The victim of this assault was an off-duty Stone Harbor Police Officer who sustained significant injuries, including a concussion and facial fractures, because of this unprovoked attack. The incident occurred while the victim was running on the Wildwood Boardwalk. In the wake of this violent assault, the Wildwood Police Department Detectives, in cooperation with the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, initiated an investigation.

Detectives quickly determined that the attack was unprovoked and targeted the victim while he was exercising on the Boardwalk. Through diligent investigative efforts, detectives identified a group of individuals who had traveled to Wildwood from Gloucester and Camden Counties and were responsible for this attack.

As a result of this, arrest warrants and court-ordered search warrants were executed in both Gloucester and Camden Counties, leading to the arrests of Isaiah Ortiz, age 19; Elijah Williams, age 19; William Jewell, age 20; Manuel Ortiz, age 21 and Maliky Reyes, age 20. Isaiah Ortiz, a resident of Lindenwold NJ, was charged with Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree; Conspiracy to commit Assault, a crime of the second degree; Failure to Render Aide to a Victim, a crime of the third degree. Ortiz was lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Facility. Elijah Williams, a resident of Deptford NJ, was charged with Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree; Conspiracy to commit Assault, a crime of the second degree. Williams was lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Facility. William Jewell, a resident of Magnolia NJ, was charged with Failure to Render Aide to a Victim, a crime of the third degree. Jewell was released on a summons. Manuel Ortiz, a resident of Lindenwold NJ, was charged with Failure to Render Aide to a Victim, a crime of the third degree. Ortiz was released on a summons. Maliky Reyes, a resident of Stafford NJ, was charged with Failure to Render Aide to a Victim, a crime of the third degree. Reyes was released on a summons.

Prosecutor Sutherland and Chief Murphy emphasized the swift and coordinated response of law enforcement to bring those responsible for this violent act to justice. They also expressed their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in Cape May County, particularly in areas such as the Wildwood Boardwalk. “The collaborative efforts of our office and the Wildwood Police Department have been instrumental in swiftly identifying those responsible for this senseless attack,” said Prosecutor Sutherland. “We will continue to work tirelessly to hold those accountable for their actions and ensure that justice is served for the victim.” This is an ongoing investigation and Prosecutor Sutherland and Chief Murphy urge anyone who may have additional information relating to this investigation to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 609-465-1135, the Wildwood Police Department Detective Division at 609-522-0222 or anonymously through the Prosecutor’s Office website at cmcpo.tips.

Prosecutor Sutherland advises that individuals charged with a second-degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of five (5) to ten (10) years in New Jersey State Prison. Charges and accusations are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.