ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Atlantic City Police Department has recovered five illegal firearms and arrested five individuals in the past two weeks as part of ongoing efforts to combat gun violence and other criminal activities, according to a statement released Tuesday.
The arrests began on October 21, when Officer John Bell responded to a report of a young male in possession of a handgun on the 1500 block of Atlantic Avenue. A 15-year-old was taken into custody after being found with a loaded firearm as well as small amounts of cocaine and heroin. The juvenile’s mother was also charged with violating the city’s curfew ordinance by allowing her son to be out late.
On October 24, Detectives Christopher Dodson, Eric Evans, and Alberto Valles conducted a traffic stop near Indiana and Logan Avenues. The passenger, identified as Okese Smith, attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended shortly after. Smith was reportedly carrying 47 grams of marijuana, while the driver, Tylee Adams, was taken into custody on an active arrest warrant. A handgun with a laser sight was found inside the vehicle.
Six days later, on October 30, Detectives Dodson, Evans, Valles, and Officer Zayon Pitts acted on information about an armed individual near Kentucky and Atlantic Avenues. Upon attempting to approach the suspect, the male fled but was quickly detained. The juvenile suspect was found carrying a loaded handgun, 27 grams of marijuana, and paraphernalia linked to gang affiliation.
On November 3, Officer Albert Herbert stopped a vehicle at Boston and Atlantic Avenues after discovering the driver, Alexander Terrones-Santiago, was operating with a suspended license and an unregistered vehicle. Terrones-Santiago, who also had active warrants, requested to retrieve personal items before his vehicle was towed. A search of his backpack revealed a handgun with additional ammunition. A large knife and a pump-action rifle were also found concealed under the driver’s seat.
The series of arrests marks a significant effort by the Atlantic City Police Department to address illegal firearms and gang-related activities in the area. The department emphasized its commitment to reducing violent crime through targeted enforcement and community safety initiatives.
