Police Search for Suspect in Atlantic City Outlet Store Robbery

Police are still searching for a man who allegedly committed an armed robbery at an outlet store in Atlantic City last month.

The theft incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. on September 9, 2016. According to Atlantic City NJ authorities, the suspect walked into the Lacoste Clothing Outlet on North Arkansas Avenue in AC and stole several shirts.

When a store employee confronted the suspect about the shirt theft, the suspect allegedly threatened to fatally shoot the worker if they attempted to stop him from stealing clothing. The suspect then ran out of the store and fled the area on foot.

Store workers promptly dialed 911 and notified local law enforcement. Atlantic City police officers were dispatched to the scene, but the suspect was long gone by the time they arrived.

Atlantic City detectives conducted an investigation that included speaking with witnesses of the robbery and obtaining surveillance video footage that reportedly showed the suspect in the process of committing the robbery.

The suspect was later identified as a 54-year-old Atlantic City resident. However, authorities have not yet been able to locate the suspect. If and when the suspect is located and arrested, he will likely face very serious criminal charges for armed robbery. This is actually one of the most serious offenses in New Jersey because it is classified as a first degree felony. That means that a conviction could result in the suspect being sentenced to as many as 20 years in New Jersey State Prison if he is ultimately convicted on the first degree robbery charges.

Although the suspect did not actually flash a firearm during the robbery, it is possible that he could also face charges for various weapons offenses like unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. A lot will depend on whether Atlantic City detectives are able to recover a handgun during their investigation.

For more information, read the NJ.com article, “Man Wanted in Connection with Outlet Store Robbery.”

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a weapons offense or any other crime in South Jersey, you need a qualified criminal defense lawyer on your side. The experienced Atlantic County criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of John W. Tumelty are ready to help you fight your criminal charges and avoid the most significant penalties. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.