Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol Chief Faces Hit-and-Run Charges

John “Bud” Johnson, the 78-year-old chief of the Wildwood Crest beach patrol, is facing multiple charges including careless driving and leaving the scene of a crash involving injury after allegedly striking a pedestrian on the beach with his official vehicle on July 10. The pedestrian suffered minor injuries, and while city officials confirm administrative action has been taken, they declined to elaborate due to personnel policies. This incident marks at least the third time in recent years an official vehicle has hit a beachgoer at the Jersey Shore.