ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – A group of teenage thugs were harassing customers and employees at an Atlantic City Boardwalk store, eventually stabbing and killing the owner. The incident happened at City Souvenirs
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Atlantic City Police Department are actively investigating the death of a 66 year-old man Thursday night.
Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.At 7:41 p.m., Atlantic City Police Officers responded to a business in the 1500 block of the Boardwalk in reference to a male with a knife.
“Personnel at the Atlantic City Police Surveillance Center further advised officers that multiple juveniles were damaging the store and assaulting individuals,” Tyner said. “While attempting to steal items, a 12-year-old male brandished a knife and threatened the store owner. Responding officers arrested a 12-year-old male and a 14-year-old female.”
Shortly after the arrival of the officers, the store owner Mahmood Ansari, of Atlantic City, collapsed and was not breathing.
A bystander initiated CPR, which was taken over by Officer Joseph Kelly and then medical personnel. Ansari was transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center City Campus, where he was pronounced deceased.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and assisted in the investigation. The investigation continues in an attempt to identify the other juveniles that were involved in this incident.“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,” Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner said.
Later in the day, local merchants and community members held a protest asking city officials to take action against the rising tide of crime that has occurred since last summer’s racial justice protests and riot in the name of George Floyd.