For Immediate Release: March 30, 2016

On March 24, 2016, at 11:19pm, uniformed officers responded to the 47th floor of the hotel tower at the Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino in reference to shots being fired.  Responding officers located a crime scene on the hotel floor, but no victims.  A short time later two juvenile males entered the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division each with a gunshot wound.  On March 28, 2016, a juvenile male was arrested and was discovered to be a third shooting victim. 

The Atlantic City Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is currently investigating this incident.  Thus far, they have identified as many as 20 individuals that were in the hotel room for a party.  They have conducted numerous interviews with victims, suspects, and witnesses.  The investigation has led to the arrest of seven males and the recovery of four handguns.

During the initial investigation and working on information provided during the initial shots fired call, a 17 year old Atlantic City resident was arrested after being found in possession of a handgun.  The juvenile male was stopped in the unit block south of Virginia Avenue by Officers Matthew Rogers and Sean Pettit.  The officers also arrested Demond Cottman, a 20 year old Atlantic City resident.  Cottman was charged with obstruction of justice.  Cottman was released on a summons.

On March 27, 2016, Officer Christian Ivanov was patrolling in the area of Pennsylvania and Drexel Avenues when he heard numerous gunshots.  This location, through the investigation, was an area known to be frequented by many individuals that were at the party.  Officer Ivanov saw a male fleeing the area and attempted to stop him, but could not locate him.  In the path that the male ran, Officer Malik Tolbert located a handgun.  The handgun was sent to the New Jersey State Police laboratory for forensics analysis.    

On March 28, 2016, Officer Anthony Abrams, while patrolling in the area of Maryland and Sewell Avenues attempted to stop a male, a 15 year old Atlantic City resident, that was wanted for questioning in reference to the shooting.  The juvenile male fled on a bicycle from Officer Abrams.  Officers Franco Sydnor and Fariyd Holmes were able to tackle the fleeing male and take him into custody.  A loaded handgun was found in his waistband. 

After being arrested, the juvenile told Officer Abrams that he had been shot at the party at the Taj Mahal and never went to the hospital.  Officer Abrams immediately called for an ambulance and the juvenile was transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division.  He was treated for a gunshot wound and released.  The juvenile was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, obstruction of justice and resisting arrest.  He was remanded to Harborfields Juvenile Detention Facility.

On March 29, 2016, Detectives William Warner, Darrin Lorady, and Howard Mason conducted a motor vehicle stop which resulted in the arrest of two males.  Taquay Dunston, an 18 year old Atlantic City resident, was arrested and charged for firing a handgun during the party.  Dunston was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, aggravated assault, and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault.  Dunston was remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.  His bail was set at $100,000.00.

Also arrested during the motor vehicle stop was a 16 year old juvenile from Atlantic City.  He had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.  He was remanded to the Harborfields Detention Facility. 

As a result of the motor vehicle stop, a search warrant was executed in the unit south block of Congress Avenue that resulted in the recovery of a loaded handgun.  A 16 year old juvenile male from Atlantic City was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon.  He was remanded to the Harborfields Detention Facility.

On March 30, 2016, Tyshiek Wright, a 20 year old Atlantic City resident, was arrested in the Atlantic City Municipal Court.  Wright was wanted for contempt of court and hindering his own apprehension.  He was remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

The Violent Crimes Unit supervised by Sergeant Christopher Barber and assisted by Detectives Joseph Iacovone, Joseph Procopio, and Charles Stuart is still investigating this incident.  Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Violent Crimes Unit at 609-347-5788.  Information can be text to TIP411 (847411).  Begin the text with ACPD.  All texts are anonymous.   

Alert sent on 03/30/2016 at 8:00PM EDT

To submit a tip via text message text ACPD and your tip to 847411

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