Atlantic City police arrested 17 people during riots and looting that broke out after what had been a peaceful protest Sunday.
The protest in reaction to the death of George Floyd at the hands of a now-fired Minneapolis police officer charged with third-degree murder weaved through the city without incident.
But after the protest ended, destruction began.
Mayor Marty Small and others pointed out that many of those causing damage were not residents.
Six of the arrests were of people who live in Atlantic City.
Only one was from out of state.
The Atlantic City Police Department received mutual aid from the New Jersey State Police, the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office and the Atlantic County Emergency Response Team.
Arrested were
- Naim Nixon, 28, of Absecon, charged with riot, resisting arrest and violation of an emergency order.
- Carlos Matchett, 30, of Atlantic City, charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, riot, and violation of an emergency order.
- Darlene Garrison, 50, of Atlantic City, charged with riot and theft.
- Dougie Debery, 22, of Atlantic City, charged with riot.
- Jamaal Johnson, 20, of Atlantic City, charged with riot, burglary, and violation of an emergency order.
- Michael Black, 30, of Atlantic City, charged with riot, contempt of court and violation of an emergency order.
- Tyrone Keyes, 37, of Atlantic City, charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, riot, resisting arrest, and violation of an emergency order.
- Joshua Cruz, 21, of Camden, charged with burglary
- Caneryn Carpenter, 20, of Clementon, charged with riot, resisting arrest, obstruction of justice and violation of an emergency order.
- Jared Stewart, 29, of Egg Harbor Township, charged with riot and violation of an emergency order.
- Joey Osias, 21, of Egg Harbor Township, charged with riot, burglary and violation of an emergency order.
- Elliot Handy, 23, of Galloway Township, charged with criminal mischief, obstruction of justice and violation of an emergency order.
- Akissa Johnson, 21, Jersey City, charged with riot, burglary, theft and violation of an emergency order.
- Nydurrah Richardson, 25, of Lindenwold, charged with burglary and violation of an emergency order.
- Dallas Holden, 24, of Pleasantville, charged with riot, burglary, theft, and violation of an emergency order.
- Stephen Lewis, 37, of Vineland, charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, hindering apprehension, burglary, possession of burglary tools, theft and violation of an emergency order.
- Joshua Escobar, 25, of West New York, NY, charged with riot, burglary, theft, and violation of an emergency order.
The department is in the process of collecting surveillance coverage or any personal camera coverage that is being offered in an attempt to identify and charge those that were engaged in criminal activity. Anyone who may have pictures or video to assist in the case is asked to call police at 609-347-5766 or anonymously text to tip411 (847411), beginning the text with ACPD.Camera footage can also be messaged through the department's Facebook or Twitter.
Sunday's issues caused Small and Atlantic City Office of Emergency Management Director Scott Evans to announce a curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. until June 8.
- The exemptions are:All law enforcement, firefighters, or medical personnel, as well as any other emergency response personnel authorized by the City of Atlantic City.
- Individuals traveling directly to and from work; attending religious services; commercial trucking and delivery services; obtaining food; caring for a family member, friend, or animal; or seeking medical care.
(NOTE: Carlos Matchett's name was originally released by police as Marchett. The story has been updated to correct this mistake.)
Destruction follows peaceful protest in Atlantic City
Hours after a peaceful protest in Atlantic City on Sunday, mayhem broke out.More than 60 state troopers were heading into help, Mayor Marty Small said."This is a disaster," he said. "You have these thugs going around destroying our great city, destroying businesses that are prepping to open back up."Small said he spoke with the governor and was told he would get help."It's a sad day in Atlantic City and the people who are responsible for this should be punished to the fullest extent of the law," he said.The Walk was taking the brunt of the attack, with businesses being looted and vehicles on fire.
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