Atlantic City Crisis Negotiator Gets Robbery Suspect to Surrender

Atlantic City NJ police recently arrested a man who was threatening to use knives outside the local Bass Pro Shops. AC cops were able to take the suspect into custody after a police crisis negotiator convinced him to put down his weapons.

The scary incident occurred around 2:40 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The Atlantic City Police Department received a report of a man wielding two knives inside the Bass Pro Shops located on North Christopher Columbus Boulevard in Atlantic City, NJ. Store employees reportedly saw the suspect attempting to commit a robbery by stealing knives, shoes, and shirts. The employees attempted to stop the suspect then dialed 911 and to alert local law enforcement. While this was happening, the suspect allegedly chased after the store workers and tried to stab them with the knives.

When Atlantic City cops arrived at the scene, they found the suspect standing on the sidewalk directly outside the hunting and fishing shop. The officers instructed the suspect to drop the weapons and get on the ground, but he ignored their commands and instead shouted obscenities. The suspect also reportedly raised the large knives high into the air and swung them around.

At some point, members of the AC SWAT Team arrived to offer assistance to the other officers. An Atlantic City police crisis negotiator also arrived at the store and tried to persuade the suspect to peacefully surrender. The negotiator eventually got the suspect to put down his weapons.

As soon as the suspect placed his knives on the ground, members of the Atlantic City SWAT Team moved toward him and tackled him to the ground. The suspect was subsequently taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City so that he could undergo a mental health evaluation and be checked out for physical injuries. After being evaluated, the suspect was transported to Atlantic City police headquarters for processing.

The suspect is a 55-year-old man who lives in Pleasantville, New Jersey. He faces numerous criminal charges, including aggravated assault, terroristic threats, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and resisting arrest. Additionally, the suspect has been charged with robbery because he allegedly tried to steal the knives, and other items, from the Bass Pro Shops business.

While the criminal charges against the suspect remain pending, he is being held at the Atlantic County Jail in lieu of a $100K bail amount.

For additional information about this case, view the Shore News Today article, “Atlantic City Police Subdue Knife-Wielding Man Outside Bass Pro Shops.”

If you have been charged with aggravated assault or any other type of violent crime in Atlantic County, NJ, you should talk to a qualified criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The experienced, aggressive Atlantic County criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of John W. Tumelty will help you fight your charges. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your case.