Wildwood Police Arrest Man on Multiple Charges After Violent Altercation

On Monday, September 2, 2024, around 12:03 p.m., officers from the Wildwood Police Department responded to a reported disturbance near the front lobby of 3915 Ocean Avenue.

Upon their arrival, officers were informed that a male suspect, identified as Rakesh Patel, age 47, had attempted to kick open the lobby door during a domestic dispute with his spouse.

While searching the surrounding area, officers spotted Patel attempting to leave the scene in a nearby parked vehicle.

As the officers approached, Patel engaged in a physical altercation with them, during which he attempted to remove the duty weapons from both officers’ holsters.

Despite the confrontation, both officers managed to restrain Patel without serious injury and took him into custody.

Following Patel’s arrest, the Wildwood Police Department Detective Division conducted a thorough investigation at the scene.

Multiple items of evidentiary value were collected, including the slide of a semi-automatic handgun, ten rounds of 9mm ammunition, a rifle hand grip, and some of Patel’s clothing.

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The vehicle Patel attempted to flee in is currently impounded for investigative purposes, pending a court-authorized search warrant.

As a result of the investigation, Rakesh Patel faces multiple charges, including:

2nd degree Disarming a Law Enforcement Officer
2nd degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
2nd degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose
2nd degree Possession of a Ghost Gun
2nd degree Burglary
3rd degree Terroristic Threats
3rd degree Resisting Arrest
3rd degree Eluding
Two counts of 3rd degree Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer
4th degree Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons or Ammunition

Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.

Patel is currently held at the Cape May County Correctional Center in compliance with the Attorney General Guidelines related to Criminal Justice Bail Reform Policies and Directives.

It is important to note that Patel was charged after a finding of probable cause and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.