The Atlantic City police officer who was shot outside a casino Saturday during an armed robbery is suffering from a head wound but is improving, according to sources.
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The shooting happened around 2:30 a.m. Saturday after the officers saw three men trying to rob three others near a parking garage at Caesars casino, said acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane Ruberton.
Vadell was shot after he got out of his marked cruiser. Damon, who was 25 years old and was from Camden, later was found dead a short distance away.
The officer remained critical Monday, but his condition was upgraded to “critical but stable”, authorities said.
The suspects, Martel D. Chisolm, 29, of Millville, N.J., and Demetris Cross, 28, of Bridgeton, N.J., made an initial appearance Tuesday afternoon before Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury in Mays Landing.
The officer, who has been on the force nine years, and his partner came under fire when they got out of their patrol auto just after 2:30 a.m, police said.
Chisolm and Cross were each charged with two counts of attempted murder of Vadell and his partner, who was not named; three counts of robbery; and other offenses.
A statement released Monday and signed by Laura Vadell “and family” thanked “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”.
I want to thank the officer who was partnered with Josh.
A GoFundMe.com campaign set up by a local businessman, Coby Frier, to assist the family has raised more than $55,000 in two days, Rogers said. 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. At this time, we would thank you for the continued respect of our privacy.
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Atlantic City police also expressed gratitude to local merchants and well-wishers who have offered support since Saturday.
