By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Atlantic County announced that on Monday, June 9, Hakim A. Clark, who previously pleaded guilty, 34, of Atlantic City, was sentenced by the Honorable Donna Taylor, J.S.C., to an aggregate term of six years in New Jersey State Prison.
Atlantic County officials said he is subject to the No Early Release Act, which requires an 85% period of parole ineligibility concurrent to eight years New Jersey State Prison, with a five-year period of parole ineligibility on charges of second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of second degree certain persons not to possess weapons, and fourth degree obstruction.
According to ACPO officials, on February 25, 2024, officers from the Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD) responded to a ShotSpotter alert and a 911 call in reference to gunshots in the area of Sovereign and Fairmount Avenues, the location of Proud Mary’s bar.
During review of surveillance footage, a male who was ultimately identified as Hakim Clark is observed going in and out of Proud Mary’s several times and playing pool prior to the incident, ACPO authorities stated.
Clark was observed running south on Sovereign Avenue. Clark is observed pulling his right arm out of his vest pocket, raising his right arm, and a bright light, consistent with muzzle flash, is observed emanating from his extended arm, according to Atlantic County officials. As Clark fired, several individuals ducked down and took cover.
Atlantic County officials said on March 8, 2024, ACPD patrol units observed Clark. When police approached Clark outside of 100 S. North Carolina Avenue and advised him he was being detained, Clark gave a false name.
When additional units arrived, officers attempted to place Clark in custody, but he resisted arrest. After a lengthy struggle, law enforcement was able to place Clark in custody, Atlantic County authorities stated.
ACPO officials say that a search incident to arrest led to the discovery of a handgun, loaded with two rounds of hollow-point ammunition. The handgun was later determined to have been stolen from North Carolina.
In addition, ten pills believed to be ecstasy were located in Clark's pocket. The handgun was sent to the New Jersey State Lab for ballistic testing, which confirmed that the handgun recovered from Clark was used in the shooting that occurred on February 25, 2024, Atlantic County officials said. 
ACPO officials stated that Clark also has a prior record that prohibits him from possessing firearms.