In the early pre‑dawn hours of September 3, 2016 — just after 2:30 a.m. — what began as a routine robbery call outside the parking garage of Caesars Atlantic City.
Quickly spiraled into a harrowing confrontation that would leave one of Atlantic City Police Department’s officers fighting for his life.
As Officer Joshlee Vadell exited his patrol car to intervene, gunfire erupted. A bullet struck him in the head, immediately threatening his life and sending shockwaves through the department.
His partner, acting instinctively, returned fire, fatally wounding one of the suspected attackers.
That suspect, later identified as Jerome Damon, 25, of Camden, collapsed roughly a block and a half away at Missouri and Pacific Avenues.
Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, Vadell was rushed to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, where doctors immediately began life-saving measures.
The gravity of the situation left his colleagues, family, and the Atlantic City community reeling.
Two others involved — Martell Chisholm, 19, of Millville, and Demetrius Cross, 28, of Bridgeton — were arrested that same night.
This violent episode abruptly shattered the sense of security within the city and reminded residents of the inherent risks police officers face each day.
What should have been a routine call became a stark testament to the perils of law enforcement work and the fragility of public safety.
The Community Responds: Solidarity in the Face of Tragedy
As news of Officer Vadell’s critical injury spread, the response was immediate and overwhelming.
Fellow officers from Atlantic City, neighboring municipalities, and state agencies rallied, visiting Vadell at the hospital, supporting his wife through long, tense nights, and monitoring his condition with unwavering attention.
Reports detailed how officers and community members alike followed every hospital update closely, celebrating milestones such as the removal of the ventilator, the first words spoken, and the initial movements of his left side.
He had regained consciousness and was able to sit up and speak, marking the first significant step in what would be a long and arduous recovery.
One week later, on September 15, he was discharged from the hospital. As he was wheeled out, dozens of officers, emergency responders, and supporters greeted him. Vadell saluted and gave a thumbs-up, a quiet gesture that carried immense significance — a public affirmation of resilience, courage, and gratitude.
For Vadell’s wife and family, this period was bittersweet.
The relief of survival mingled with the uncertainty of the long road ahead — physical therapy, rehabilitation, and emotional recovery.
Their gratitude extended beyond the immediate medical staff to include officers, community members, and anonymous supporters whose assistance and prayers offered both tangible and emotional support.
Courtroom Solidarity: More Than a Statement
Months later, when Chisholm and Cross were brought to trial, the courtroom gallery was packed with law enforcement personnel — colleagues, friends, and supporters of Vadell.
Observers described the atmosphere as solemn and resolute. The presence of dozens of officers — some from neighboring jurisdictions and state agencies — was more than symbolic; it was a statement of unity.
Their message was clear: the attack on one officer was an attack on all, and the community of law enforcement would stand together.
While exact counts of officers present were not disclosed, reports emphasized that the courtroom was standing-room only.
Faces of men and women who had visited Vadell in the hospital, waited with his family, and supported him through each step of recovery filled the room.
The defendants were confronted with the collective presence of those whose service they had attempted to disrupt, a powerful visual of solidarity, resilience, and unwavering support for one of their own.
Legal Consequences: Accountability and Justice
The legal process moved deliberately but decisively.
Cross and Chisholm faced a litany of charges: multiple counts of attempted murder of a police officer, robbery, conspiracy, unlawful weapons possession, and related offenses.
After a lengthy trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts relevant to the shooting and accompanying criminal acts.
In December 2018, both men were sentenced to 32 years in state prison, mandated to serve at least 85% of their sentences before becoming eligible for parole, under New Jersey’s “No Early Release” law.
At the sentencing hearing, Vadell delivered an emotional statement to the perpetrators:
“You robbed me of my life. You robbed my kids of their daddy. You robbed my wife of her husband.
You robbed my mother and sister of their son and brother.”
His words underscored the profound and lasting impact of the incident — not just on himself but on his family, colleagues, and community.
The Broader Meaning: Courage, Community, and the Risks of Policing
The shooting and its aftermath offered a stark illustration of the hazards inherent in policing.
Officers face unpredictable violence, and even routine calls can escalate to life-threatening confrontations in seconds.
Yet the incident also highlighted the deep bonds of solidarity that can emerge within the law enforcement community.
For Officer Vadell and his family, the event transformed lives, necessitating months — and for some, years — of physical and emotional recovery.
For the community, it served as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices law enforcement officers make daily.
And for officers across Atlantic City and beyond, the courtroom’s packed gallery was more than a show of support;
it was a testament to collective commitment, mutual respect, and the unbreakable bond that forms among those who wear the badge.
In the end, the case of Officer Joshlee Vadell is not merely a story of crime and punishment.
It is a narrative of resilience in the face of unimaginable danger, a portrait of community and solidarity, and a reminder that in moments of darkness, courage and unity can illuminate even the bleakest nights.
