12 and 14-year-old Charged; Cops Investigate Death of Atlantic City Store Owner
A 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl are facing robbery and other charges as authorities investigate the death of a man who owned a store on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner's office says at about 7:45 Thursday evening, Atlantic City cops responded to a business in the 1500 block of the Boardwalk in reference to a man with a knife. Personnel at the ACPD Surveillance Center further advised officers that multiple juveniles were damaging the store and assaulting individuals.
Police say while attempting to steal things, a 12-year-old boy brandished a knife and threatened the store owner.
Shortly after the officers arrived, the store owner, 66-year-old Mahmood Ansari of Atlantic City, collapsed and was not breathing. A bystander began performing CPR, which was continued by an ACPD officer. Ansari was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center-City Campus where he was pronounced dead.
At the scene, officers arrested a 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl.
The 12-year-old was charged with two counts of robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, simple assault, shoplifting, terroristic threats, conspiracy. He was remanded to Harborfields Detention Facility.
The 14-year-old girl was charged with robbery, simple assault, shoplifting, and conspiracy. She was released into the custody of a parent with a future court date.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office continues to identify the other juveniles involved in this incident.
Tyner said in a statement, "There is an active investigation into the circumstances of the death of Mr. Ansari and his autopsy results are pending. We should look to support one another as we prepare to welcome visitors to our region for the spring and summer tourism season."
The Press of Atlantic City reports merchants are planning a protest on the Boardwalk Friday evening to draw attention to what they say is a growing problem with unruly kids repeatedly harassing business owners and shoppers.
ACPD Interim Officer in Charge James Sarkos says, "The Atlantic City Police Department is aware of the concerns and complaints from the business community, regarding juveniles. As the weather turns warmer, the Atlantic City Police Department will work and coordinate with businesses along our famous Boardwalk and retail areas. We are working closely with the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office on this investigation."