Atlantic City Officer Shot During Attempted Robbery Making Progress
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (CBS) -- The Atlantic City police officer shot during an exchange of bullets between suspects and police is making progress.
Officials say 29-year-old Joshlee Vadell, a nine-year veteran of the police department, was shot around 2:30 a.m. Saturday when he and his partner interrupted an armed robbery in progress near Caesars Casino.
Police say Vadell's partner returned fire, shooting and killing one of the suspects, identified as 25-year-old Jerome Damon of Camden, N.J.
Officer Vadell was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in critical condition. He was later upgraded to critical but stable condition.
According to the police department, Officer Vadell's ventilator was removed and he is now able to sit up and talk.
Earlier this week his wife and family released a statement thanking her husband's police partner and anyone who helped them through the ordeal:
I wanted to take an opportunity to thank everyone who played a role in helping us through this extremely difficult time. The individuals who have donated their time and resources to the comfort of our family as well as the capture of those responsible for this horrific crime are too numerous to name. Still, on behalf of my family, I do wish to acknowledge many of those who have helped.
I want to thank the officer who was partnered with Josh. Without him, Josh may not have made it and those responsible may never have been brought to justice. Also to the officers working that morning that got Josh to the hospital extremely fast so his medical treatment could begin immediately.
I would like to thank the surgeons, doctors, nurses and staff of AtlantiCare who acted quickly to give Josh the best possible chance at surviving this horrific act.
I would like to thank all the local businesses, who have contributed food to my family and to all the members of the law enforcement community who have been by my side ever since Josh was admitted to the hospital.
Finally, I want to thank the entire law enforcement community who joined together to quickly apprehend the suspects believed to be responsible for this shooting. Not only did your efforts help bring these people to justice, but they also potentially helped prevent any further acts of violence these individuals could commit.
I appreciate the thoughts, prayers and support of everyone in the community as we navigate this challenging next chapter of our lives while making sure Josh recovers. At this time, we would thank you for the continued respect of our privacy. -- Laura Vadell and family.
Two other suspects were arrested and charged in connection with the attempted robbery and shooting. Police have identified them as 19-year-old Martell Chisholm of Millville, N.J. and 28-year-old Demetrius Cross of Bridgeton, N.J.
Click here to see the Go Fund Me page set up for Officer Vadell and his family.
