On September 9, 2026, a lawsuit was filed in Wildwood, New Jersey alleging that a DUI simulation held during the 2024 National Night Out caused injuries to bystanders, including an 11‑year‑old who was operating the demonstration vehicle. The plaintiff alleges that the injuries required medical treatment and caused lasting discomfort.
The complaint names the City of Wildwood and the Wildwood Police Department as defendants and asserts that the demonstration was conducted negligently, resulting in injuries to participants who were watching the event.
The filing seeks compensation for medical expenses and other damages suffered by the injured bystanders, and it alleges that the police department failed to provide a safe environment during the community safety demonstration.
The incident took place at the 2024 National Night Out, an annual event meant to promote police‑community partnership, but according to the lawsuit the execution of the DUI simulation led to unintended harm.
Legal commentators note that the case will turn on whether the city and police exercised reasonable care in planning and supervising the demonstration, though the complaint does not specify how many individuals were injured beyond the 11‑year‑old operator.
The lawsuit adds to ongoing debate about the use of live demonstrations involving minors in public safety outreach, and the matter will proceed through the New Jersey court system as the defendants prepare their response.
The lawsuit follows a controversial safety demonstration that drew criticism from community members who questioned the appropriateness of having a minor operate a vehicle in a simulated DUI scenario.