The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has released police body-worn camera footage and radio transmissions from a fatal SWAT encounter in Atlantic County that remains under investigation.
Donald Gardner, also known as Donald Capriotti, 52, of Atlantic City, died during the June 2, 2026 encounter at a residence on the 100 block of North Florida Avenue in Atlantic City.
According to the preliminary investigation, officers with the Atlantic City Police Department’s SWAT team and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office SWAT team were attempting to execute a search warrant. Officers saw that the front door was initially open before an individual inside closed it.
Officers announced their presence and purpose, then used a mechanical device to breach the door, authorities said.
As the door opened, Gardner fired multiple shots at the officers, according to the Attorney General’s Office. A projectile struck one Atlantic City officer in the helmet, while another officer sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Atlantic City Police Officer Robert Reynolds, who was not struck by gunfire, fired his weapon multiple times, striking Gardner. Gardner was subsequently pronounced dead, and a handgun was recovered from the residence. The two wounded officers were taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center.
The Attorney General’s Division of Criminal Justice is investigating the encounter, including the circumstances and the cause and manner of death. Representatives of Gardner’s family were given an opportunity to review the recordings before their public release.
State law requires the Attorney General’s Office to investigate deaths that occur during encounters with law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity or while a person is in custody. Those investigations must be presented to a grand jury to determine whether the evidence supports an indictment.
The investigation is ongoing. No further information is being released at this time.
Bodycam Footage:
Graphic warning: videos not suited for all ages or audiences.
Terrible. From the story, it seems quite clear the guy knew he was going to die. Committed suicide, and misery loves company, just had to shoot at officers if he was going to die. Terrible. Terrible.
(I know nothing else about the story or people involved.)
How are the officers doing? May they have a complete recovery.