Person Arrested For False Reporting of Firearm on Boardwalk
On the night of June 22nd, Morey’s Piers’ Surfside Pier, located at 25th Street and the boardwalk, was evacuated due to an unknown event at the time.
North Wildwood Police announced the evacuation on social media, stating, “The incident resulted in an increase of law enforcement personnel in the area of Morey’s Pier to include the evacuation of the pier. That incident has since concluded and there is no threat or concern for public safety.”
The police did not specify what had happened, leading to much speculation.
Morey’s Piers made their own statement on social media, saying, “Our evacuation was precautionary and in cooperation with a request of the NWPD for a short period while they investigated a matter unrelated to the pier, boardwalk, or any of our guests or employees.
The issue was resolved, and Surfside Pier was quickly reopened with the full support of the police.”
We now know what exactly took place that night.
According to a new post by NWPD, on June 22nd, the North Wildwood Police Department responded to a report involving a juvenile male allegedly brandishing a firearm near 25th Street and the beach.
The report also claimed the individual entered Morey’s Pier, located at 2501 Boardwalk Avenue, prompting an immediate evacuation to ensure public safety.
Upon receiving a detailed description of the suspects and the firearm, the North Wildwood Police, in collaboration with the Wildwood Police Department and Cape May County SWAT, initiated a coordinated response.
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The suspects were quickly located by Wildwood Police and were found not to be in possession of any firearm. With no imminent threat identified, Morey’s Pier was promptly reopened.
A comprehensive follow-up investigation led by NWPD Detective Deritis included witness interviews and a meticulous review of surveillance footage.
The investigation found no evidence supporting the initial claims of a firearm being brandished.
A subsequent interview with the complainant, Taylor Erickson, 29, from Bristol, PA, revealed that the report was fabricated following a verbal altercation with the juveniles.
As a result, Erickson has been charged with 2nd Degree Causing False Public Alarm and 2nd Degree False Reports to Law Enforcement Officers.
Erickson was issued a summons-complaint and released pending a court date.
It’s important to note that Erickson is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Thank you to our amazing first responders on the island who keep us safe every day.