Gunfire at atlantic city bar leads to guilty plea for gunman

MAYS LANDING, NJ — Hakim A. Clark, 34, of Atlantic City, pleaded guilty Tuesday to multiple charges stemming from a 2024 shooting outside a bar, illegal gun possession, obstruction, and prior drug-related offenses, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Clark appeared before Judge Donna M. Taylor in Atlantic County Superior Court and admitted guilt to second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of second-degree certain persons not to possess weapons, fourth-degree obstruction, third-degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. Under the plea agreement, Clark will serve a six-year sentence subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, concurrent with an eight-year term, requiring a minimum five-year parole ineligibility.

Key Points

Hakim A. Clark pleaded guilty to multiple charges including assault and weapons offenses.
He is expected to serve at least six years under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act.
The handgun used in the shooting was confirmed stolen and linked by ballistic testing.

On February 25, 2024, Atlantic City Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert and a 911 call near Proud Mary’s bar at Sovereign and Fairmount Avenues. Surveillance footage showed Clark at the bar before running outside and firing a weapon, as visible muzzle flashes appeared while nearby individuals ducked for cover.

On March 8, 2024, Clark was spotted by officers near 100 S. North Carolina Avenue. He initially gave a false name and resisted arrest. During the arrest, officers recovered a stolen handgun loaded with hollow point rounds and ten suspected ecstasy pills. Ballistic testing confirmed the weapon was used in the February shooting. Clark was legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior conviction.

Drug and weapons convictions from 2021 search

Clark also pleaded guilty to third-degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine, stemming from a January 2021 search by Atlantic City Police at a South Ocean Avenue residence. Officers recovered suspected cocaine, a digital scale, ammunition, and nearly $2,000 in cash from the room where Clark was found.

Additionally, Clark admitted to fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon while detained at the Atlantic County Justice Facility. The weapon was identified as a homemade shank.

The Atlantic City Violent Crimes Unit led the investigation, assisted by patrol officers and prosecuted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Unit. Assistant Prosecutor Deirdre Laws is handling the case for the State.

Clark remains in custody at the Atlantic County Justice Facility. Sentencing is scheduled for June 9.

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