Atlantic City Police arrest 17 during rioting; city enacts week-long evening curfew

NanetteG

Atlantic City Police Department

ATLANTIC CITY - Seventeen people were arrested Sunday, May 31 during hours-long rioting and looting that took place in the center city business district following a peaceful protest, according to a release from the Atlantic City Police Department.

The protest was in response to the tragic death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis. It began and ended at the Clayton G. Graham Public Safety Building. During the protest, Atlantic City Police officers walked, engaged and knelt with those in attendance.

As the event was concluding, a group of rioters began to walk along Atlantic Avenue breaking windows, damaging property and stealing merchandise of local businesses. The Atlantic City Police Department received mutual aid assistance from the NJ State Police, Atlantic County Sheriff's Office and the Atlantic County Emergency Response Team.

The department is in the process of collecting surveillance coverage or any personal camera coverage that is being offered to identify and charge those who were engaged in criminal activity.

Police are asking anyone with additional information that can assist the investigation to contact the Criminal Investigations Section at 609-347-5766 or anonymously text to tip411 (847411). Begin the text with ACPD. Any private camera footage can also be messaged to the department through our Facebook or Twitter social media accounts.

As a result of the rioting and criminal activity, Mayor Marty Small Sr. and Atlantic City Office of Emergency Management Director Scott Evans announced that a local disaster emergency is now in effect and curfew will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. every evening until Monday, June 8. During these curfew hours, all persons are prohibited from being on a public street with the following exemptions:

All law enforcement, firefighters, or medical personnel, as well as any other emergency response personnel authorized by the City of Atlantic City.

Individuals traveling directly to and from work; attending religious services; commercial trucking and delivery services; obtaining food; caring for a family member, friend, or animal or seeking medical care.

Those arrested include:

Naim Nixon, 28, of Absecon, charged with riot, resisting arrest, and violation of an emergency order.

Carlos Marchett, 30, of Atlantic City, charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, riot, and violation of an emergency order.

Darlene Garrison, 50, of Atlantic City, charged with riot and theft

Dougie Debery, 22, of Atlantic City, charged with riot

Jamaal Johnson, 20, of Atlantic City, charged with riot, burglary, and violation of an emergency order.

Michael Black, 30, of Atlantic City, charged with riot, contempt of court, and violation of an emergency order.

Tyrone Keyes, 37, of Atlantic City, charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, riot, resisting arrest, and violation of an emergency order.

Joshua Cruz, 21, of Camden, charged with burglary

Caneryn Carpenter, 20, of Clementon, charged with riot, resisting arrest, obstruction of justice and violation of an emergency order.

Jared Stewart, 29, of Egg Harbor Township, charged with riot and violation of an emergency order.

Joey Osias, 21, of Egg Harbor Township, charged with riot, burglary, and violation of an emergency order.

Elliot Handy, 23, of Galloway Township, charged with criminal mischief, obstruction of justice, and violation of an emergency order.

Akissa Johnson, 21, of Jersey City, charged with riot, burglary, theft, and violation of an emergency order.

Nydurrah Richardson, 25, of Lindenwold, charged with burglary and violation of an emergency order.

Dallas Holden, 24, of Pleasantville, charged with riot, burglary, theft, and violation of an emergency order.

Stephen Lewis, 37, of Vineland, charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, hindering apprehension, burglary, possession of burglary tools, theft, and violation of an emergency order.