Wheelchair-Bound Felon Kills Two Officers in Atlantic City Shootout
Bodycam footage released Wednesday shows the moments leading up to a fatal confrontation where a convicted felon, previously paralyzed from a police shooting, opened fire on officers serving a warrant.
Two Atlantic City police officers were wounded and a wheelchair-bound man with a lengthy criminal record was killed in a shootout on June 2, according to newly released body-worn camera footage and statements from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. Donald Gardner, 52, died at the scene after opening fire on officers who were executing a search warrant at his residence.
The incident unfolded when Atlantic City police and the Atlantic County SWAT team attempted to breach the front door of Gardner's home. Prosecutors stated that as the door was being opened, Gardner, who was inside, discharged multiple gunshots at the officers. Officer Robert Reynolds returned fire, striking Gardner.
One of the wounded officers, Sgt. Christian Ivanov, sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg that damaged his femoral artery, leading to critical blood loss. He was hospitalized for two weeks before his discharge. The second injured officer was shot in the head, but his helmet prevented a more severe injury.
Gardner, also known as Donald Capriotti, had a history of felony convictions. He was previously shot by officers in 2013 and was paralyzed from the waist down as a result. He was sentenced in 2014 to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was released on parole in 2023.
Prior to that, Gardner pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter for a 1993 killing and served 18 years of a 30-year sentence before being paroled in May 2012.
An investigation into the circumstances of the shooting and Gardner's manner of death is ongoing. A handgun was recovered at the scene. The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General is overseeing the investigation.