Following the June 9 shooting at a Popeyes in Pleasantville, four additional suspects have been charged.
A 19-year-old man from Atlantic City and an 18-year-old resident of Egg Harbor Township were charged with conspiracy, numerous counts of aggravated assault, and weapons-related offenses on Wednesday, Hamilton Police said in a Facebook post on Friday.
According to authorities, an 18-year-old Pleasantville resident was charged on Thursday with conspiracy, several charges of severe assault, and offenses using weapons.
According to authorities, a fourth individual who was only identified as a minor was also charged in relation to the inquiry.
While awaiting a detention hearing, the accused inhabitants of Pleasantville, Egg Harbor Township, and Atlantic City were all placed under arrest and detained at the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
The further arrests follow the June 10 arrest of Pleasantville resident Christian Ruiz, 18, for reportedly shooting a firearm at a car carrying six people, three of whom were children, outside a Popeyes in Mays Landing. At 11:50 p.m. on June 9, the wounded traveler was shot and sent to AtlantaCare Regional Medical Center in Pomona.
According to police notes Ruiz’s defense lawyer, John Zarych, said he read, a worker at a nearby Walmart allegedly went to the Popeyes to exact retribution on those responsible for damaging his car.
Zarych claimed that after closing Popeyes at approximately 11:20 p.m., his client was confronted and assaulted in the parking lot.
Shortly after the event, Ruiz was sent for medical attention after suffering several injuries to his head, face, and back, according to Zarych.
