ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – Two individuals, including a 16-year-old, have been arrested following an investigation into gunfire last month, with authorities recovering a loaded handgun and more than a pound of marijuana, police said.
Detectives from the Atlantic City Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit, assisted by the SWAT team, executed a search warrant on March 13 at a residence on the 1500 block of Baltic Avenue. Rafael Gomez, 24, was arrested inside the home, while the juvenile suspect was taken into custody separately.
The investigation began on February 5 when officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert near South Carolina and Magellan Avenues around 7:30 p.m. Evidence of gunfire was found at the scene, but no injuries were reported. Surveillance footage showed that Gomez and the juvenile had been driving together before the juvenile exited the vehicle in the area where shots were fired. Afterward, he returned to Gomez’s car, and they fled.
Gomez faces multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated assault, possession of drugs with intent to distribute, and money laundering. He was booked into the Atlantic County Justice Facility. The 16-year-old is charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and conspiracy.
Authorities continue to investigate the case as both suspects await legal proceedings.