For Immediate Release:  October 21, 2024

The Atlantic City Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit investigated two separate shooting incidents that occurred on the same day resulting in the arrest of each suspect.

On October 12, 2024, at 3:16 AM, a man suffering from a gunshot wound stopped an officer in front of the Clayton G. Graham Public Safety Building seeking assistance. The victim collapsed to the ground and officers rendered medical aid.  The victim was transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division, for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury.

An investigation by detectives led to criminal charges being filed against Rockwell Pohlig.  Pohlig and the victim were engaged in an argument in the first block of south Morris Avenue when Pohlig shot the victim.  Pohlig turned himself in at the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

At 7:10 PM, patrol officers responded to the 1300 block of Caspian Avenue for a ShotSpotter alert and report of a person shot.  Officers arrived to find two men shot.  Both victims were transported to the medical center to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

During the investigation, detectives identified Eric Melton as a potential suspect.  Melton was found to have an active warrant for his arrest.  On October 16, he was taken into custody by Officers Michael Regalbuto and William Harned at New York and Atlantic Avenues.  Melton attempted to provide false information to the officers.  As the investigation continued, Melton was criminally charged for his role in the shooting.

ARRESTED:  Rockwell Pohlig, 34, of West Deptford, NJ.

CHARGES:  Attempted murder, aggravated assault (two counts), unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and certain person not to possess a weapon.

ARRESTED:  Eric Melton, 30, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES:  Attempted murder, aggravated assault (six counts), unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, certain person not to possess a weapon, obstruction of justice and hindering apprehension.

Both men were remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.  These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt.  In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Anyone with information about the shooting incident is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Violent Crimes Unit at 609-347-5766 or submit a text anonymously to tip411 (847411).  Begin the text with ACPD. 

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Alert sent on 10/21/2024 at 9:45AM EDT

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

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