Two Atlantic City men shot in separate incidents within about two hours Tuesday night remain hospitalized in stable condition.
Shaamel Spencer, 28, was found shot in the leg on South Trenton Avenue by police who had responded to the 3900 block of Ventnor Avenue near the Dairy Queen at 7:51 p.m.
Spencer — who was paroled from South Woods State Prison in May 2011 — provided little suspect information to investigators, Sgt. Monica McMenamin said. Spencer previously served two prison sentences, including one on drug and weapons charges, according to state Department of Corrections records.
A light-colored vehicle was seen leaving the area. A vehicle matching that description was stopped, but the three occupants were released after being interviewed, McMenamin said.
At 9:53 p.m., police responded to the 4300 block of North Drive in Chelsea Heights’ Buzby Village.
City Councilman George Tibbitt said he heard the gunshots, which he said are not uncommon in that area.
“You hear it quite a bit, but it’s not reported on,” he said Wednesday. “I’d definitely like to see more of a police presence in the Chelsea Heights section, but our sources are really spread thin.”
Michael Hamilton, 25, was first believed to have three gunshot wounds to the chest, but instead he had an entry and exit wound above his leg and a wound to his hand, McMenamin said. He was conscious at the scene and at the hospital, where he underwent surgery.
Officers stopped a car in the 600 block of North Albany Avenue that was seen speeding from the area. A replica handgun was found inside and the occupants interviewed. No arrests were made.
Tibbitt said the police are doing the best they can, and he would like to see them pursue a possible state of emergency.
“That doesn’t mean calling the State Police in but it gives broader powers to our Police Department,” he said. “It’s really sad what this world’s coming to that these young people don’t value life.”
Spencer and Hamilton remain at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s City Campus.
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