A search warrant operation turned violent when shots rang out inside a North Florida Avenue home, investigators said
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A SWAT operation in Atlantic City exploded into gunfire when a man inside a residence allegedly opened fire on officers serving a search warrant, leaving two officers wounded before he was fatally shot, according to new details released Friday by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
The civilian who died was identified as Donald Gardner, also known as Donald Capriotti, 52, of Atlantic City.
According to investigators, officers assigned to the Atlantic City Police Department SWAT team and members of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office SWAT team were attempting to execute a search warrant Tuesday at a residence in the 100 block of North Florida Avenue.
Officials said officers arrived and observed the front door open before it was closed by someone inside the residence. Officers announced their presence and then used a mechanical device to breach the door.
As the door opened, Gardner allegedly fired multiple rounds at officers, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
One Atlantic City police officer was struck in the helmet, while another officer suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.
Officer Robert Reynolds of the Atlantic City Police Department then returned fire, striking Gardner.
Gardner was pronounced dead following the encounter.
Investigators said a handgun was recovered from inside the residence.
The two wounded officers were transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment. Officials have not released updated information regarding their conditions.
The shooting remains under investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
Under New Jersey law, the Attorney General’s Office is required to investigate any death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity. The findings will be presented to a grand jury, which will determine whether the evidence supports criminal charges against the officer or officers involved.
Key Points
- A SWAT search warrant operation in Atlantic City ended in a fatal police-involved shooting.
- Investigators say Donald Gardner, 52, fired at officers, wounding two before being shot.
- One officer was struck in the helmet and another suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.