On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at approximately 12:56 a.m., officers from the Wildwood Police Department responded to a motel located at 4301 Atlantic Avenue for a report of a large disturbance occurring in the parking lot of the motel.
While investigating the incident, a suspicious vehicle was stopped in the motel parking lot in connection with the disturbance. During the encounter with the occupants of the vehicle, officers observed a handgun in plain view. As a result of the investigation, officers arrested Semaj Turner, 21, of Coatesville, Pennsylvania.
Turner was charged with the following crimes:
* Unlawful Possession of a Handgun (2C:39-5b) a crime of the second degree
* Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine (2C:39-9h) a crime of the fourth degree
Chief Joseph Murphy stated, “The Wildwood Police Department remains committed to proactive enforcement efforts during the busy summer season and holiday weekends. Through increased patrols and additional staffing assistance from the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office and the New Jersey State Police, officers continue to work to deter crime, remove illegal weapons from the community, and keep residents and visitors safe. Unfortunately, this is the second firearm related arrest that is associated with the holiday weekend crowd. Our officers who do an incredible job will continue to be vigilant in protecting the residents and visitors of the City of Wildwood.”
Turner was processed on a warrant complaint and lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center pending a detention hearing. The defendant was charged after a finding of probable cause and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.