For Immediate Release:  December 1, 2021

On November 30, 2021, an Atlantic City Police officer and his K9 partner were struck by a driver fleeing a motor vehicle stop in a stolen car.

At 9:03 PM, Detectives Christopher Dodson, Alberto Valles, and Eric Evans spotted a Ford Fusion that had been previously reported stolen.  The same vehicle had fled an attempted motor vehicle stop by an Atlantic City police officer earlier in the day and was not located.

The detectives initiated a motor vehicle stop at New Jersey and Baltic Avenues and were assisted by K9 Officer Anthony Grajales-Prado and his partner, K9 Chase.  After the vehicle stopped, a passenger, Najaye Cooper-Albright, exited and attempted to run away.  Detective Dodson quickly apprehended Cooper-Albright who resisted arrest before being taken into custody. 

The driver of the vehicle, Kasauhn Carpenter, ignored commands from the officers and accelerated towards Officer Grajales-Prado and K9 Chase.  Officer Grajales-Prado was struck by the vehicle causing him to end up on the hood before being thrown off.  K9 Chase was also struck by the vehicle.  Both sustained minor injuries.  Officer Grajales-Prado was transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division, and was later released.

Carpenter was located and arrested on U.S. Route 42 by troopers of the New Jersey State Police Atlantic City Expressway Station.  

ARRESTED:  Kasauhn Carpenter, 18, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES:  Attempted murder, aggravated assault (four counts), assault by auto (two counts), eluding, and hindering apprehension.

Carpenter was remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.


ARRESTED:  Najaye Cooper-Albright, 18 of Atlantic City.

CHARGES:  Obstruction of justice, unlawful taking of means of conveyance, and resisting arrest.

Cooper-Albright was released on a summons with a future court date.  Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Criminal Investigations Section at 609-347-5766 or text anonymously to tip411 (847411).  Begin the text with ACPD.

###

Alert sent on 12/01/2021 at 3:01PM EST

To submit a tip via text message text ACPD and your tip to 847411

Alert delivered to the following groups: Atlantic City PD, Business Alerts, Press Releases, Westside Civic Association, Westside Homeowners Protective Association, Tanger Outlet, Chelsea Neighborhood Civic Association, Venice Park Civic Association, Marina District, Stanley Homes Village, First Ward Civic Association, Carver Hall, Chelsea Heights, Bungalow Park Civic Association, The Cove Condo Association, CRDA, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Security Directors , City Adminstration, Communications, and Atlantic City Boardwalk Committee

Link to Agency