> At a Glance
> – A fistfight near 2400 Pacific Avenue escalated to gunfire at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 5
> – Collin Forrestel, 43, allegedly shot at the man who punched him, then ditched the gun
> – Both men hospitalized; Forrestel faces attempted murder and related charges
> – Why it matters: A single argument turned a busy Atlantic City block into a crime scene, showing how quickly disputes can spiral
A Monday evening argument steps from the Atlantic City Boardwalk ended with a punch, a gunshot, and two men in the hospital.
How It Unfolded
Police say a verbal spat between two men turned physical when the 38-year-old punched Collin Forrestel, 43, in the face. Forrestel responded by allegedly firing at the man, then sprinting away and tossing the weapon into a construction-site dumpster.
ShotSpotter sensors alerted officers, who arrived to find Forrestel claiming he’d been shot in the face. Medical staff later confirmed he had no gunshot wounds.
Second Victim Found
While canvassing the area, officers discovered the second man on the unit block of South Georgia Avenue with a gunshot wound to the leg. Both men were treated at a local hospital and are expected to survive.
| Who | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Collin Forrestel, 43 | None | Arrested, held at Atlantic County Justice Facility |
| Unnamed 38-year-old | Leg wound | Hospitalized, stable |
Investigation & Charges
Security-camera footage helped detectives piece together the sequence. Forrestel now faces:
- Attempted murder
- Aggravated assault
- Weapons offenses related to the discarded firearm
Key Takeaways
- One punch triggered an alleged gun response on a busy city street
- ShotSpotter technology led officers to the scene within minutes
- Video evidence proved crucial in filing charges
Forrestel remains behind bars while detectives continue reviewing footage and canvassing for additional witnesses.
