Full Notification

Officers responded to a disturbing incident on February 19, 2024, at approximately 3:30 PM, in the downtown Absecon business district. A 9-1-1 call from a store led officers to the scene, where a female store owner was subjected to an unprovoked and brutal attack by an assailant.

A man entered the business and initiated an assault on the female store owner, despite no prior acquaintance between the two. Managing to break free, the store owner sought refuge in a nearby business. However, the assailant pursued her, entering the adjacent business and locking the door behind him. The assailant located the store owner and launched a vicious assault, including an attempted sexual assault.

Responding officers were forced to breach the front door of the business. They confronted the assailant and apprehended him, freeing the store owner. The victim was subsequently treated for significant injuries sustained during the attack.

The suspect has been identified as Dashawn U. Cooper, 37, of Pleasantville. Cooper faces a range of charges, including 1st Degree Kidnapping, 2nd Degree Attempted Aggravated Sexual Assault, 2nd Degree Aggravated Assault, 3rd Degree Criminal Restraint, and 3rd Degree Criminal Mischief. He is currently detained in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

Anyone with any additional information is urged to contact the Absecon Police Department at (609) 641-0667. Report anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 1-200-658-TIPS (8477) or text TIPCOP plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES).