According to a statement by Atlantic City Police Chief John J. Mooney III, Atlantic City Police Officer Kevin Wilkins, 31, who was a 2-and-a-half year veteran of the Atlantic City Police Department was killed near Kentucky and Baltic avenues in his patrol car.
Officer Wilkins suffered a single gunshot wound to the face. Police say his gun went off accidentally as he was trying to put a rubber sleeve on the pistol grip. Wilkins had removed the magazine, but didn't clear the pistol's chamber, according to police.
The official cause and manner of death is pending autopsy results and a review of the case file by County Prosecutor Ted Housel.
Officer Wilkins was a 1996 graduate of Atlantic City High School and attended Tallahassee Community College, Seton Hall University and the NJ Juvenile Justice Commission Training Academy prior to his service with Atlantic City. He was a January 20, 2008 graduate of the Cape May County Police Academy 25th Basic Course for Police Officers and assigned to foot patrol prior to his present assignment on general patrol duties.
Officer Wilkins is survived by his father, three siblings and his fiancé.
Funeral arrangements with Departmental Honors are pending and will be released when available.