New Jersey’s Atlantic City. Authorities said Thursday that three different instances involving barricaded individuals and threats to public safety had prompted the activation of the Atlantic City Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, which includes SWAT, Bomb Squad, and Crisis Negotiators, in the last week.
Kenneth Epperson was found by Special Investigations Section investigators on the 900 block of Keener Avenue on June 11. The Egg Harbor City Police Department wanted Epperson, who ran into a house and remained there for about two hours. After interacting with crisis negotiators, he ultimately turned himself in to SWAT officers.
Epperson also faced charges for evading a car stop earlier in the week. On June 9, Officer John Bell made an unsuccessful attempt to stop a car that was running away, but he did not follow up. Bell identified Epperson as the driver following his arrest.
Barricaded suspect evades capture, later arrested for animal cruelty
Officers were called to a residence on the first block of North Boston Avenue on June 14 after receiving a report of property damage. Anthony Copes, the suspect, was previously evicted from the same residence and had several warrants. Copes ran inside the building when he was confronted. SWAT entered the house after a three-hour standoff, but they were unable to find him. Copes, according to the police, escaped before the perimeter was guarded.
After officers found a neglected Pitbull in Copes’ care, they accused him with animal cruelty and arrested him the next day by Officer Robert McDevitt.
Man accused of threatening teen, arrested after second incident
Officers were called to the 800 block of Maryland Avenue on June 17 after Edwin Sanabia allegedly used a knife to chase a youngster and then exposed himself while making offensive comments. According to witnesses, Sanabia entered his home and resisted the authorities’ requests for an explanation. After attempting to contact the Emergency Response Team for several hours, SWAT entered the house and discovered it to be vacant.
Sanabia was spotted going back to the house on June 18. Patrol police apprehended him without incident with the help of his relatives.
