Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder Outside Atlantic City Pub

Gloucester County resident faces 13-year prison sentence for 2024 shooting incident.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing from a handgun, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The physical evidence from a violent crime scene tells a stark story of the dangers that continue to plague Atlantic City.Atlantic City Today

A 35-year-old Gloucester County man named Rockwell Pohlig has pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree possession of a handgun for unlawful purposes, second-degree certain person not to possess a handgun, and second-degree possession of CDS with intent to distribute. Pohlig admitted to attempting to kill a victim outside The Chelsea Pub in Atlantic City in October 2024 and will face a recommended 13-year prison sentence.

Why it matters

Violent crime and gun violence continue to be a major concern for Atlantic City, which has struggled with public safety issues in recent years. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable and remove dangerous individuals from the community.

The details

According to prosecutors, Pohlig turned himself in to the Atlantic County Justice Facility several days after the October 2024 shooting incident outside The Chelsea Pub. At the time of his surrender, Pohlig also admitted to bringing over one ounce of synthetic cannabinoid into the jail with the intent to distribute it to other inmates.

  • On October 12, 2024, Pohlig allegedly attempted to kill the victim, identified as 'N.R.', outside The Chelsea Pub in Atlantic City.
  • On March 31, 2026, Pohlig pleaded guilty to the charges.
  • Sentencing is scheduled for June 9, 2026.

The players

Rockwell Pohlig

A 35-year-old resident of West Deptford, Gloucester County, who pleaded guilty to attempted murder and other charges related to a 2024 shooting incident outside an Atlantic City pub.

N.R.

The victim of the attempted murder by Rockwell Pohlig outside The Chelsea Pub in Atlantic City in 2024.

The Chelsea Pub

A popular bar located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where the 2024 shooting incident took place.

Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office

The office that is prosecuting Rockwell Pohlig and has recommended a 13-year prison sentence as part of his plea deal.

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What they’re saying

“Pohlig admitted to attempting to kill the victim in this case, identified as 'N.R.', by shooting him outside The Chelsea Pub in Atlantic City on October 12th, 2024.”

— Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office

What’s next

Sentencing for Rockwell Pohlig is scheduled for June 9, 2026, where the judge will determine if he will receive the recommended 13-year prison sentence.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges Atlantic City faces with violent crime and the importance of the criminal justice system holding perpetrators accountable. The guilty plea and recommended sentence aim to remove a dangerous individual from the community and serve as a deterrent for future acts of violence.