Atlantic City, NJ Man is Guilty of Serious Violent Charges

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office winning streak continues, upon the news of the latest guilty plea.

An Atlantic City, New Jersey man pleaded guilty to assault and firearms charges.

Hakim A. Clark, 34, from of Atlantic City, New Jersey pleaded guilty before New Jersey Superior Vourt Judge Donna M. Taylor, as follows:

• second-degree aggravated assault.
• two counts of second-degree certain persons not to possess weapons.
• fourth degree obstruction

CLARK PLEADED GUILTY TO ANOTHER CHARGE

Clark also pleaded guilty to third-degree possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, from another incident that took place on January 21, 2021.

By pleading guilty, Clark is expected to be sentenced to an aggregate term of six years in New Jersey State Prison.

Clark will be subject to the No Early Release Act, which requires him to serve 85% of his prison sentence.

Clark will also be subject to parole requirements.

TWO KEY DATES IN THIS CASE

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed two key dates that were determinative in this matter, writing as follows:

On February 25, 2024, officers from the Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD) responded to a ShotSpotter alert and a 911 call in reference to gunshots in the area of Sovereign and Fairmount Avenues, the location of Proud Mary's bar. During review of surveillance footage, a male who was ultimately identified as Hakim Clark is observed going in and out of Proud Mary's several times and playing pool prior to the incident. Clark is observed running south on Sovereign Avenue. Clark is observed pulling his right arm out of his vest pocket, raised his right arm and a bright light consistent with muzzle flash is observed emitting from his extended arm. As Clark fired, several individuals ducked down and appeared to take cover, said the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

THE 2ND KEY DATE

On March 8, 2024, Atlantic City Police Department patrol officer’s observed Clark.

The ACPD approached Clark outside of 100 South North Carolina Avenue. They advised that he was going to be detained.

Clark resisted arrest, leading to a lengthy struggle. They eventually placed Clark into custody.

During a search, the Atlantic City Police Department discovered a loaded handgun with two hollow point bullets.

It is illegal for non-law-enforcement to possess hollow point bullets; except for self defense and legal hunters.

They later, discovered that the handgun was stolen from North Carolina.

Law-enforcement also discovered what is believed to be 10 ecstasy pills in Clark’s pocket.

Ballistics testing was done, and it was confirmed that this handgun was used in the commission of a crime. The handgun recovered from Clark was used in the shooting that occurred on February 25, 2024.

Clark has a prior criminal record that makes it illegal for him to possess firearms.

SOURCE: Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.