EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – Police are looking for help locating a West Atlantic City man wanted for an aggravated assault that occurred in that section of the township Friday afternoon.

On Friday June 7, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. the Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to Room 103 of the Bay Breeze Motel in West Atlantic City for an aggravated assault.

Officers Tim Colella and Richard Cavanaugh arrived on scene to find the Mark Hessee, 56, who lives in that room suffering from head injuries.  Hessee was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division by the Egg Harbor Township Ambulance Squad where he was treated. He was then flown to Cooper Hospital University Medical Center in Camden for further treatment.

Police said Hessee had been in a dispute with Donald Powell, 34, a resident of Room 20 of the Budget Motel in West Atlantic City.

The dispute turned violent when Powell allegedly punched Hessee in the head and face, according to police.  Powell also struck Hessee several times in the head and face with the telephone from the room, police said.

Powell left prior to the officers arriving on location and as of Saturday afternoon has not yet been located. Powell is described as a black male 5 feet 10 inches tall and approximately 240 pounds.

A warrant has been issued for Powell’s arrest but no bail will be set until his apprehension.

This case is being investigated by Detectives Mark Wagner and Heath Per.  Anyone with information on Powell’s whereabouts should contact the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Detective Division at (609) 926-4051 or contact Atlantic County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-658-8477. 

The Atlantic County Crime Stoppers program offers a cash reward up to $2,000 and callers can remain anonymous.