Philadelphia Woman Sues Wildwood After Beach Truck Incident

Lawsuit alleges negligence, misconduct, and severe injuries from police vehicle running over beachgoer

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a police vehicle tire tread imprinted in the sand, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually illustrates the dangers beachgoers face from law enforcement vehicles on public beaches.A police vehicle's tire tread marks the sand, exposing the dangers beachgoers face from law enforcement vehicles on public beaches.Wildwood Today

A Philadelphia woman is suing the city of Wildwood, New Jersey and its police department after a Wildwood Police pickup truck ran over her while she was celebrating her birthday on the beach in 2024, leaving her with severe and lasting injuries.

Why it matters

The incident raises questions about police procedures and accountability, as well as the safety of beachgoers in public spaces. The lawsuit seeks to address the victim's ongoing trauma and medical expenses resulting from the incident.

The details

According to the lawsuit, on August 28, 2024, Annette Eld was lying on the sand at the Wildwood beach when a marked Ford F-150 police truck, driven by Officer Saul Meghnagi, drove over her. Beachgoers shouted to the driver, who then stopped the truck on top of Eld. Body camera footage and witness accounts indicate no emergency lights or sirens were activated prior to the incident. Eld suffered serious injuries to her back, neck, ribs, lungs, and shoulders, as well as ongoing nerve damage, chronic pain, and psychological trauma. Her child also continues to experience stress and anxiety from witnessing the incident.

  • On August 28, 2024, Eld was at the beach celebrating her birthday when the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m.
  • Eld filed the personal injury lawsuit on April 10, 2026 in Cape May County Superior Court.

The players

Annette Eld

A Philadelphia woman who was run over and pinned to the sand by a Wildwood Police pickup truck while celebrating her birthday on the beach in 2024.

Saul Meghnagi

A Wildwood Police officer who was driving the pickup truck that ran over Eld on the beach.

Wildwood Police Department

The police department that employed the officer involved in the incident and is named in the lawsuit.

City of Wildwood

The municipality where the incident occurred and is named in the lawsuit.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Guys, I think we should just wait for rescue to get here.”

— Saul Meghnagi, Wildwood Police Officer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed against the Wildwood Police Department and City of Wildwood.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for greater police accountability and safety protocols to protect beachgoers in public spaces. The lawsuit seeks to address the victim's ongoing trauma and medical expenses resulting from the incident.