ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A man who initially appeared to assist a police officer responding to a medical emergency has been arrested for robbery and assault after surveillance footage revealed he attacked the victim, Atlantic City police said.
The incident unfolded on November 23 at approximately 8:07 p.m., when Officer Christopher Campbell was alerted to a man in need of medical attention near Tennessee and Atlantic Avenues. While Officer Campbell was assessing the situation, Ruben Carlo, 31, appeared to assist in aiding the man, who was later transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.
However, an investigation by Officer Campbell and the department’s Surveillance Center revealed that Carlo had approached the victim after he fell, stomped on him, and attempted to rifle through his pockets twice before leaving the scene.
Carlo was later located by Officers William Harned and Kyle Bender in the 1900 block of Atlantic Avenue. He initially resisted arrest but was quickly subdued and taken into custody.
Carlo has been charged with robbery, aggravated assault, and resisting arrest and is being held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility. Police emphasized that charges are accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit at 609-347-5766 or submit tips anonymously by texting ACPD to tip411 (847411).
Authorities credit quick investigative work and community tips in resolving the case.