Atlantic City Cops: Store Owner Charged After False Robbery Report

Cops in Atlantic City say a man from Egg Harbor Township, who owns a store on the boardwalk, is in trouble with the law after falsely saying he was the victim of a robbery.

Officials say the scene began around lunchtime Monday when ACPD officers responded to H&A Fashions in the 1400 block of the Boardwalk in reference to an alleged robbery with damage to the store.

The store clerk, 26-year-old Malik Awais of Egg Harbor Township, told officers that, "several individuals entered the store, stole items valued at $100, pushed him as they fled, and caused property damage totaling more than $5,000."

According to police, detectives responded to the store to investigate. Personnel from the Surveillance Center began to review surveillance video from the area. Those reviewing the video footage did not see anyone entering or exiting the store that matched the description of the suspects. A person who was described as a witness was found to have not been present during the alleged crime, say police.

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It was ultimately found that the alleged crime did not occur and the report was fabricated.

Awais was charged with false report to law enforcement authorities. He was placed on a summons with a future court date.

This incident comes less than a week after the owner of a store about one block away died following an incident involving numerous juveniles. In that case, several teens were damaging the store and assaulting people. Police say while attempting to steal things, a 12-year-old boy brandished a knife and threatened the store owner. Shortly after officers arrived, the store owner, 66-year-old Mahmood Ansari of Atlantic City, collapsed and was not breathing. He later died at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center-City Campus. A 12 and 14-year-old were charged.

Anyone with additional information on this incident is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department's Criminal Investigations Section at (609) 347-5766.