Cape May Court House, New Jersey – Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief Katherine Madden of the North Wildwood Police Department announce the arrest of 20-year-old Alpacino Carrero of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and a 17-year-old juvenile male of West Wildwood, New Jersey. On June 22, 2026, at approximately 0105 hrs. Patrol Officers from the North Wildwood Police Department responded to the area of 13th Avenue and Central Avenue in North Wildwood for the report of a fight in progress.

Upon arrival, officers located and identified three (3) injured adult victims who were transported to Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional for treatment. One of the victims had become unconscious due to being struck with a bottle. The suspects fled the scene prior to police arrival. An investigation was then conducted by the North Wildwood Police Department Detective Division in coordination with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit. As a result of the investigation, on June 22, 2026, Alpacino Carrero was arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree; and Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree. Carrero was processed and lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings. On this same date, the juvenile suspect was also arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree; Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree; and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the third degree.

Cape May Court House, New Jersey — Jeffrey H. Sutherland, Prosecutor of Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, and Donald Vanaman, Chief of the Lower Township Police Department, announced the arrest of Hector L. Melendez, a 31-year-old resident of Villas. On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force concluded a joint investigation into the distribution of controlled dangerous substances by Hector L. Melendez. On the same date, members of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Lower Township Police Department, and the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team, executed Court-authorized search warrants at the residence of Hector L. Melendez, as well as on his person.

As a result of these searches, authorities seized over ½ ounce of cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, various items of paraphernalia associated with the distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), and a large sum of US Currency. Hector L. Melendez was charged with Distribution of CDS, a crime of 2nd degree; Possession of cocaine, a crime of the 3rd degree; Money laundering, a crime of the 3rd degree; Possession with Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia, a crime of the 4th degree; and Possession of Psilocybin mushrooms, a disorderly persons offense. Hector L. Melendez was processed and lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Facility, where he remains in custody pending further court proceedings. Individuals convicted of second-degree crimes are subject to a term of imprisonment of 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.