EHT man just released from prison arrested on gun charge in Atlantic City

An Egg Harbor Township man recently released from prison was arrested in Atlantic City with a handgun, according to new charges.

Matthew Murphy, 40, was released from South Woods State Prison on April 25, records show.

He was sentenced to five years in prison in 2022, on cases that included burglary, drug possession, contempt and criminal coercion, according to court records.

Murphy was arrested Friday, after police received information about a man with a handgun walking in the 2800 block of Pacific Avenue, Capt. Kevin Fair said.

The information also included a very detailed description of the suspect.

Detective Michael Oldroyd located Murphy walking on Atlantic Avenue with Nathaniel Rodgers.

While waiting for backup, Murphy and Rodgers entered a ride-share vehicle, according to the report.

Detectives Troy Grams and James Barrett helped stop the vehicle, and a handgun was seen inside, Fair said.

Both men also had outstanding warrants. Murphy had been due in court that day on a simple assault out of Hamilton Township, court records show.

Murphy was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and certain person not to possess a weapon.

He is currently in  the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for a pre-arrest condition, Fair said.

Rodgers, 47, of Atlantic City, is charged with contempt and in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.