ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A woman with multiple outstanding warrants was arrested Tuesday after threatening a merchant with a firearm on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, according to the Atlantic City Police Department. The incident took place on August 20 at approximately 11:39 a.m. in the 2500 block of the Boardwalk.
Patrol officers responded to a call reporting a dispute involving a firearm. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the merchant, who recounted that Fatima Gadson, 33, of Philadelphia, was blocking the entrance to the store as he attempted to open it. A verbal altercation ensued, during which Gadson spat on the merchant. As the merchant called 911, Gadson attempted to flee, prompting the merchant to grab her shirt in an effort to detain her. Gadson then lifted her shirt, revealing the handle of a firearm, and threatened to kill the merchant. The merchant released her, and Gadson fled the scene on a bicycle.
Officers obtained a description of Gadson, and the department’s Surveillance Center provided video footage of her fleeing on Texas Avenue. A short time later, Officers Rebecca Seabrook and George Mancuso located Gadson’s bicycle in the 2500 block of Pacific Avenue. They found Gadson holding a firearm with an orange tip as she was about to enter a convenience store. Officers ordered Gadson to drop the weapon, but she refused and entered the store.
The officers followed Gadson into the store, continuing to issue commands to drop the weapon while ensuring the safety of patrons inside. After repeated verbal commands, Gadson eventually dropped the firearm, which was determined to be an imitation.
Gadson was arrested at the scene and was found to have 15 active warrants for her arrest. The Atlantic City Police Department did not report any injuries during the incident.
