For Immediate Release: April 29, 2023

On April 26, 2023, members of the Atlantic City Police Department’s Special Investigations Section conducted an investigation that resulted in four arrests and the recovery of a handgun and drugs. 

At 9:39 AM, Detectives Eric Evans and Christopher Dodson conducted an investigation as a result of information they received concerning a male armed with a handgun. Detectives observed the male, Brian Lott, traveling as a passenger in a pickup truck that was being operated by John Brown. Steve Montgomery and Racheal Kirkpatrick were also passengers in the vehicle.

The detectives subsequently conducted a motor vehicle stop in the first block of south Morris Avenue. Upon approaching the pickup, Lott was ordered to exit the rear seat of the vehicle. As Lott exited the vehicle, Detectives Dodson and James Barrett attempted to detain him in furtherance of the investigation. Lott immediately resisted and attempted to run as Detective Barrett struggled to gain control of him. Detective Barrett was able to secure a satchel that Lott was carrying before Lott broke free and began running north on Morris Avenue.

Officer Jonathan Walsh, who responded to the motor vehicle stop as backup, observed Lott running northbound on Morris Avenue while detectives gave chase. Officer Walsh immediately intervened and after a brief struggle, Lott was taken into custody with assistance from the pursuing detectives. Search incident to arrest revealed Lott was in possession of three wax folds of suspected heroin and $50 in US currency. The satchel Lott was carrying was found to contain a handgun. The recovered handgun was determined to be a ‘ghost gun’ that was fitted with a high-capacity magazine and loaded with hollow point ammunition. 

Contact was then made with the remaining occupants of the pickup truck. The continuing investigation led to the discovery of approximately 1.7 grams of suspected crack cocaine in the vehicle. Brown was found in possession of approximately 1.4 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine. The three occupants were taken into custody without incident.     

ARRESTED: Brian Lott, 18, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES: Unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a ‘ghost gun’, possession of a large capacity magazine, possession of hollow point ammunition, possession of a weapon during a CDS distribution offense, possession of CDS (2 counts), possession of CDS with intent to distribute (2 counts), aggravated assault on a police officer (2 counts), resisting arrest, and obstruction. 

ARRESTED: John Brown, 54, of Atlantic City. 

CHARGES: Possession of CDS (2 counts) and possession of CDS paraphernalia. Brown was also found to have multiple active warrants for his arrest.

ARRESTED: Steve Montgomery, 54, of Pittstown, NJ.

CHARGES: Possession of CDS and possession of CDS paraphernalia.

ARRESTED: Racheal Kirkpatrick, 27, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES: Possession of CDS and possession of CDS paraphernalia. Kirkpatrick was also found to have an active warrant for her arrest. 

Lott, Brown, and Kirkpatrick were remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility. Montgomery was released on a summons pending a future date. The public is reminded that all charges are mere allegations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with information about the distribution of narcotics is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department’s Special Investigations Section at 609-347-5858 or text anonymously to tip411 (847411). Begin the text with ACPD.

Alert sent on 04/29/2023 at 10:56AM EDT

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

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