Continuity mistake: When Reacher meets Neagley in the New York diner, he takes two first bites out of his sandwich.
What Happens in Atlantic City - S2-E2
Other mistake: Early in the episode, the team is driving south from NYC to Atlantic City on what appears to be the Garden State Parkway when they pass mile marker 19.4, which is well south of the exit for Atlantic City (exit 38).
Answer: As Reacher had arrived in town just after the murder occurred and being a stranger, he became a suspect (or at least a person of interest) and taken into custody for questioning by the police. He was released fairly quickly. It was coincidental timing of an outsider arriving at the same time as the crime occurred.
raywest ★