Pleasantville had its second homicide in a week Thursday night.
A man was fatally shot on Stenton Place between Main Street and Franklin Boulevard, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner said.
Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit is investigating.
Pleasantville police acknowledge "a sudden and significant increase in violent crime" that came with the new year.
The Criminal Investigations Bureau detectives have been working additional hours to identify suspects and run down leads regarding the two deaths.
"While we understand these events are troubling to our residents and businesses, they are equally as concerning to us," the department said in a statement. "We work hard to stay ahead of these criminal trends, as evidenced by the 97-count indictment handed down this week for four Pleasantville gang members."
Pleasantville police have long had strong partnerships with other agencies, including the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the FBI and the Atlantic City Police Department.
“I am always saddened to see the lifeless body of a homicide victim, no matter how old and no matter their personal history," Police Chief Sean Riggin said. "But the dedication of our officers on the streets of Pleasantville and throughout Atlantic County gives me confidence that we will stem this needless violence before it gets worse. We are committed to fight these criminals on every front and we will bring them to justice.”
The department is urging those who may know about these crimes to come forward, even if its anonymously.
Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes at 609-909-7666 or Pleasantville police at 609-641-6100.
update:
https://breakingac.com/pleasantville-homicide-victim-was-devoted-father/
