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At 12:42 p.m. on Monday, Atlantic City patrol officers were called to H & A Fashions in the 1400 block of the Boardwalk in reference to an alleged robbery and damage to the store, police said.
The store clerk, Malik Awais, told officers that several people entered the store, stole items valued at $100, pushed him as they fled, and caused property damage totaling more than $5,000, according to Lt. Kevin Fair, a police department spokesman.
Detectives of the Criminal Investigations Section and Forensics Unit responded to the store to investigate.
Personnel from the department’s Surveillance Center began to review camera coverage from the area. One camera had the storefront within view.
Personnel reviewed the camera and did not see anyone entering or exiting the store matching the description of the suspects from the time the store opened in the morning to the arrival of officers, Fair said.
In addition, a person who was described as a witness was found not to be present during the alleged crime. It was ultimately found that the alleged crime did not occur and the report was fabricated, according to Fair.
The investigation was led by Detective Ann McGlynn.
Awais, 26, of Egg Harbor Township, was charged with making a false report to law enforcement authorities, Fair said.
Awais was issued a summons with a future court date.
Anyone with additional information is urged to call the Atlantic City Police Department Criminal Investigations Section at 609-347-5766.
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