Atlantic City, New Jersey — Two police officers were wounded when a 52-year-old man opened fire on officers serving a search warrant at his home, triggering a fatal shootout that ended with the man being killed, according to New Jersey prosecutors.
The incident involving Donald Gardner, also known as Donald Capriotti, occurred on June 2. Authorities said Gardner fired multiple gunshots at officers as they breached the front door of the residence. Officer Robert Reynolds returned fire, striking Gardner, who died at the scene.
Bodycam footage released Wednesday reportedly shows the dramatic encounter, bringing renewed attention to the shooting and the injuries suffered by the two officers.
What Happened During the Atlantic City Police Raid?
According to a statement from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Atlantic City police officers and members of the Atlantic County SWAT team were serving a search warrant at Gardner’s residence when the confrontation began.
Authorities said officers initially found the front door open, but someone inside subsequently closed it. Officers then announced their presence and explained their purpose before using a mechanical device to breach the door.
As the door opened, Gardner allegedly fired multiple shots at the officers, prosecutors said.
Officer Robert Reynolds responded by firing his weapon several times through the open doorway, hitting Gardner. The 52-year-old died at the scene.
A handgun was recovered from the residence, according to the prosecutor’s statement. Authorities have not concluded the investigation into the circumstances of the shooting or the manner of Gardner’s death.
Two Officers Wounded in the Gunfire
The gunfire left two Atlantic City police officers injured, with one suffering a potentially fatal wound.
Sgt. Christian Ivanov was shot in the leg, damaging his femoral artery and causing critical blood loss. Ivanov survived the life-threatening injury and was discharged from the hospital approximately two weeks later.
The femoral artery is a major blood vessel that supplies blood to the lower extremity. An injury to this artery can cause severe bleeding and requires urgent medical treatment.
The second officer was shot in the head. However, the officer survived, with the helmet helping protect against what could have been a more serious injury. Both officers were transported to a hospital following the confrontation.
Their injuries underscored the dangers officers faced during the operation, which rapidly escalated into an exchange of gunfire inside the residence.
Gardner Had a Long Criminal History
Gardner had an extensive criminal record, according to reports. In 2014, he was sentenced to 18 years in state prison after pleading guilty to first-degree possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and second-degree possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was released on parole in 2023.
His earlier criminal history included a 1993 case involving the killing of a friend. Gardner pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and received a 30-year prison sentence. He was released on parole in May 2012 after serving 18 years, according to the reports.
The June shooting was also not the first time Gardner had been shot by police.
On November 7, 2013, officers shot him in a separate incident, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite his use of a wheelchair, authorities said he was armed during the June encounter.
The circumstances surrounding the earlier shooting and Gardner’s criminal history form part of the broader background to the latest incident, although the investigation into the June shooting remains ongoing.
Mother Demands Answers After Her Son’s Death
Following the shooting, Gardner’s mother, Tina Capriotti, questioned the circumstances surrounding her son’s death and expressed frustration over how the aftermath was handled. Speaking to Fox 29, she said she wanted an explanation from authorities.
“I want to know why they killed my son, that’s what I want to know,” Capriotti said.
She also raised concerns about the time she was allowed to see her son after the shooting.
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“They left him here until 2 o’clock in the morning dead in a wheelchair and they’d didn’t give me one minute, one minute to see my son.”
Her comments reflect the family’s demand for answers as authorities continue examining the incident.
Investigation Into the Fatal Shooting Continues
The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General has stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident and the manner of Gardner’s death remain under investigation.
The recovery of a handgun, the officers’ accounts and the available video footage may help investigators establish a detailed timeline of the confrontation.
Although prosecutors say Gardner fired at officers as they breached the door, the investigation has not been described as complete. Further findings could clarify the sequence of gunfire and other circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter.
The shooting left two officers injured, Gardner dead and his family seeking answers about what happened inside the Atlantic City home.
What questions do you think investigators should address as they review the fatal police shooting? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
