WILDWOOD CREST – A Bayonne man was arrested, Aug. 30, for allegedly groping a 17-year-old girl in the water off the beach in Wildwood Crest.
Wildwood Crest police received a call for assistance from the Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol, who were approached by the 17-year-old. When police arrived, they learned the girl was allegedly groped by a stranger while swimming in the ocean near Heather Road.
Assisted by the victim and witnesses, the police located the accused lying under a beach towel and drinking alcohol. Police identified the suspect as Joseph McCourt, 32, of Bayonne, and placed him under arrest.
McCourt was charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and released on a summons. McCourt was also issued a summons for consuming alcohol on the beach.
Wildwood Crest police detectives said in a press release that McCourt might have interacted with other juveniles in the area. Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to call the Wildwood Crest Police Department at 609-522-2456.
