NORTH WILDWOOD – Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor and North Wildwood Police Chief Matthew Gallagher announce the arrest of Jamik Washington, 23, of Bensalem, Pa. for criminal mischief and obstruction of justice charges, according to an April 19 release.
On April 18, Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit contacted North Wildwood Police Department and requested assistance in serving an active arrest warrant for Washington out of the City of Philadelphia. Prior investigation by the Philadelphia Police Department had revealed that Washington may be staying at a residence in the 200 West Block of 18th Avenue in North Wildwood. Personnel from the North Wildwood Police Department went to the residence and observed a male matching Washington’s description who refused to come to the door.
Members of the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team, Cape May County Crisis Negotiation Team, and members of the Prosecutor’s Office responded to the scene and after negotiating with Washington for approximately eight hours, he eventually surrendered and was placed under arrest without incident.
Washington was subsequently charged in North Wildwood with criminal trespassing and obstruction of justice, both crimes of the fourth degree, and was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center pending an extradition process back to Pennsylvania.
Prosecutor Taylor advises that persons convicted of a fourth degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 18 months. Prosecutor Taylor and Police Chief Gallagher would like to recognize the efforts of all agencies involved resulting in the safe apprehension of Washington.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from the Prosecutor’s Office.
