Immigrant Who Ran Atlantic City Souvenir Shop Dies After Store Ransacked by Juveniles

A Pakistani immigrant who was a well-known businessman in Atlantic City for more than 40 years, died last Thursday after a group of teens – including at least two armed with a knife – ransacked one of his stores.

Mehmood Ansari collapsed and died shortly after his store was robbed around 7:30 p.m. on April 1. Though autopsy reports are pending, Ansari’s son told Fox News his father likely died of heart failure, brought on by the stress of the robbery.

The robbery unfolded when a group of about six to eight juveniles came into the store, stole some items, and left, Ansari’s son, Asif, told Fox News. The group returned a short while later, and at least two – a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old – were armed with a knife, Asif said.

Asif estimated that the robbery lasted anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes as his family waited for police to arrive – something he said has been happening more frequently.

“They’re not there, they are not working for us. You know, we pay top money, taxes, but (police) aren’t protecting us at all,” Asif said.

Responding officers arrested the two juveniles. Ansari was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus, where he was pronounced dead.

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Asif said robberies and thefts – compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matters protests – have been increasing in recent years and scaring off tourists.

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“They should do something, because these juveniles, you cannot touch them. And it’s really sad because they can touch you. It’s ridiculous,” Asif said. “It comes down to protection. If there’s protection, we can safely do business without thinking of that.”

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