NJ AG Releases Details in Fatal Atlantic City Shootout That Wounded 2 Officers

Atlantic City, N.J. — The New Jersey Attorney General's Office has released details about the fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred this past Tuesday in Atlantic City, which left two police officers wounded.

Officials said the man who died during the encounter was 52-year-old Donald Gardner, also known as Donald Capriotti, of Atlantic City.

Shooting Timeline

According to investigators, officers assigned to the Atlantic City Police Department's SWAT team, along with members of the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office SWAT team, were executing a search warrant at a home on the 100 block of North Florida Avenue.

Suspect Opened Fire as Officers Breached the Door

Upon arrival at the scene, the NJAG's office said officers observed that the front door was open, but it was then closed by someone inside.

Officers announced themselves at the door and then used a mechanical device to breach the door.

As the door opened, Gardner, who was inside, fired multiple gunshots at the officers.

One ACPD officer was struck in the helmet; another ACPD officer sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. They were both taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment.

One of the wounded officers was later identified as Atlantic City Police Sgt. Christian Ivanov, a member of the department's SWAT team. New Jersey 101.5 reported that Ivanov was hospitalized in serious but stable condition following the shooting, while the second wounded officer was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released.

Officer Returned Fire, Fatally Shooting Suspect

Ofc. Robert Reynolds of the Atlantic City Police Department, who was not hit by gunfire, returned fire and struck Gardner. Gardner was subsequently pronounced dead. A handgun was recovered from the residence, according to officials.

The Attorney General's Office did not release any information about why the search warrant was being executed.

Gardner had an extensive criminal history. According to New Jersey 101.5, he served nearly 20 years in prison on an aggravated manslaughter conviction stemming from a 1992 homicide and later served additional prison time on drug and weapons charges. The station reported that Gardner had been paroled in October 2023 after serving an 18-year sentence and had been arrested again on drug charges last year.

Donald Gardner, aka Donald Capriotti, served several prison terms before being killed in an Atlantic City police shootout (NJ DOC via WKXW

NJ State Law Requires Grand Jury Review

Authorities said their investigation is ongoing and they will not be releasing any additional information at this time.

State law requires the Attorney General's Office to investigate any death that occurs during an encounter with law enforcement. It requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence supports the return of an indictment against the officer(s) involved.

Full Coverage

• Police Officers Being Shot in Atlantic City Proves This Fact
• Over $145K Raised in Hours for Wounded Atlantic City Officer and Dad of Three
• The Man Who Shot 2 Atlantic City Officers Spent Decades in Prison
• Here is the Atlantic City Police Sergeant Injured in Shooting
• Atlantic City Police Chief's First Comments About Officers Being Shot
• Two Atlantic City Police Officers Shot, Suspect Dead

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com