Shot Policeman's Condition Upgraded from Critical to Stable
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — A police officer who responded to a robbery in progress at a casino garage over the weekend and was shot and wounded has been upgraded from critical to stable condition, authorities said Monday.
Joshlee Vadell underwent surgery after the early Saturday shooting. Details on his injuries weren't disclosed.
Vadell, a nine-year veteran of the police force, and another officer saw the robbery being committed, authorities said. Vadell, 29, was shot as he exited his vehicle.
The second officer returned fire and struck a robbery suspect, Jerome Damon. Damon, who was 25 years old and was from Camden, later was found dead a short distance away.
The second officer's name hasn't been released.
Martell Chisholm, of Millville, and Demetrius Cross, of Bridgeton, were arrested Saturday in connection with the shooting. They remained jailed Monday on charges of attempted murder, robbery and weapons offenses and couldn't be reached for comment. It was unknown if either man had retained a lawyer or when they will make their initial court appearances.
Vadell's wife, Laura Vadell, and his family issued a statement thanking "everyone who played a role in helping us through this extremely difficult time," including her husband's colleagues and the doctors, nurses and other staffers at the hospital where he's being treated.
The statement also cites the efforts of the officer who was with Vadell when the shooting occurred.
"Without him, Josh may not have made it and those responsible may never have been brought to justice," it said.
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