A Florida man allegedly threw a gun into an open car window as he ran from Atlantic City police, and then assaulted an officer at the hospital.
Officers Janicquea Harold and Matthew Stollenwerk were on foot patrol in the 1700 block of Atlantic Avenue at 11:48 a.m. Wednesday, when they saw Kareem Griffith make a drug deal in front of a convenience store, Sgt. Kevin Fair said.
Griffith started to walk away as the officers came toward him, and then ran, according to the report.
As he was chased, Griffith alleged took a handgun that was hidden in his clothes and threw it into the open window of an occupied car as it was leaving the parking lot.
The loaded gun was recovered from the passenger side of the car. It was not clear if the person knew Griffith, but no charges have been reported for them.
Griffith was arrested, but started to throw up as he was being taken to the Public Safety Building, and medical help was requested, Fair said. Griffith was taken to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s City Campus.
While at the hospital, Griffith allegedly refused to cooperate with medical personnel and assaulted Officer Joseph Kelly.
Griffith, 27, of Lehigh Acres, Florida, is charged with obstruction, resisting arrest, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, certain person not to possess a weapon and aggravated assault on a police officer.
He is in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
