Two Atlantic City criminals got a powerful reminder of justice when they entered a courtroom packed with uniformed officers—there to support a comrade left fighting for his life after a brazen attempted robbery outside Caesars casino.
The incident began when two Atlantic City police officers responded to a call about three men robbing a group of people near the casino. The situation escalated into a shootout. One suspect, 25-year-old Jerome Damon, was killed. Officer Josh Vadell, 29, was critically injured, shot in the head, and rushed to the hospital. Though his condition was touch-and-go, he was later declared stable.
“Our hearts are heavy at this hour, but our resolve to capture these suspects remains undeterred,” New Jersey PBA President Patrick Colligan said after the shooting. “We ask for prayers for the officer, his family, and the Atlantic City Police Department.”
Suspects Demitrius Cross and Martel Chisolm were later apprehended. But when they arrived in court, they were met with a silent show of force—dozens of officers lining the benches in a powerful display of unity and support for Officer Vadell.
Vadell’s wife later gave an emotional update on Facebook, bringing hope to thousands who followed the story.
“Update on Josh… he is doing amazing!!! They took him off the ventilator this morning, he is responding with small words, able to sit supported in a chair, and now having some movement on his left side,” she wrote. “He is improving every day, and I believe it is from all of the love and support you all bring to our family.”
The story quickly went viral, with social media flooded by praise for the officer’s courage—and outrage toward the suspects.
“These two are a menace to society. They should never be released back into the community. Senseless,” one commenter wrote.
“Great to see the men and women in blue standing strong for each other,” added another.
Justice may take time, but for many watching this case unfold, the message in that courtroom was already loud and clear: you don’t harm one of our own and walk away unnoticed.