Victim Slashed, Assailant Charged

WILDWOOD – Members of the Wildwood Police Department Uniform Patrol Division responded to the 3500 block of New Jersey Avenue in connection to a fight in progress Oct. 30 at approximately 3:15 a.m. Upon arrival of the police officers to the scene, it was ascertained that the victim, who currently resides in Cape May, had sustained two laceration-type wounds to his upper torso. The victim was treated and transported to Cape Regional Medical Center by Wildwood Fire/Rescue as a result of the injuries sustained in the altercation.
During the on-scene investigation, members of the Wildwood Police Department Uniform Patrol Division detained an individual identified as Craig R. Byrd, 37, in connection to the incident. As a result of the preliminary investigation, Byrd was identified by witnesses as a person of interest in connection to the assault. Eventually, Byrd was arrested and transported to police headquarters for further investigative purposes.
During the developing investigation by members of the Wildwood Police Department Detective Division, it was determined that a sharp-edged instrument was utilized in the assault, which was recovered during the course of the investigation. Byrd was charged with the following listed criminal offenses; aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and certain person prohibited from possessing a weapon.
Dorothy Garrabrant, judge of the Wildwood Municipal Court, set bail on Byrd at $75,000 cash/bond no ten percent. Byrd was unable to post bail and was incarcerated at the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of a scheduled court appearance.      
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.