On the quiet, early morning of September 3, 2016—just after 2:30 a.m.—a routine patrol call outside the parking garage of Caesars Atlantic City transformed into a life-altering encounter for the Atlantic City Police Department. What initially appeared to be a standard robbery-in-progress report rapidly escalated into a confrontation that would leave Officer Joshlee Vadell fighting for survival and reshape the community’s perspective on the risks of policing.
A Routine Call Turns Into a Critical Incident
Officers responding to the scene noticed a group of individuals appearing to attack or rob others near the casino’s entrance area. What should have been another moment of vigilance and intervention for the responding officers instead set off a chain of events that would impact countless lives.
As Officer Vadell stepped out of his patrol vehicle to assist, shots were suddenly fired. One of the bullets struck him in the head, critically injuring him and immediately triggering an emergency response from his partner and nearby units. Acting on instinct and training, his partner returned fire, striking one of the suspects involved in the altercation.
The injured suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Jerome Damon of Camden, attempted to flee but collapsed approximately a block and a half away, near the intersection of Missouri and Pacific Avenues. Emergency personnel pronounced him deceased shortly afterward.
Meanwhile, Officer Vadell was transported in critical condition to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, where doctors mobilized quickly in an effort to save his life. The news of the shooting reverberated across the department, leaving officers, families, and nearby communities stunned.
Arrests and Charges Following the Incident
Two other individuals—19-year-old Martell Chisholm of Millville and 28-year-old Demetrius Cross of Bridgeton—were arrested that same night. Authorities charged them with a range of offenses including attempted murder of law enforcement officers, conspiracy, robbery, and unlawful possession of weapons.
What began as an ordinary night for the Atlantic City Police Department had now become a pivotal and painful reminder of the dangers inherent in police work. The shooting sent shockwaves throughout the region, prompting discussions about safety, violence, and the unpredictable nature of criminal activity in urban areas.
A Community Unites Around a Critically Injured Officer
As updates on Vadell’s condition spread, the response from fellow officers and community members was immediate and heartfelt. Officers from multiple jurisdictions gathered to support Vadell’s family, visiting the hospital, standing by his wife, and offering assistance in any way possible. At a time when every medical update carried immense emotional weight, the outpouring of solidarity became an essential pillar for those closest to Vadell.
As the days progressed, signs of improvement began to emerge. On September 8, just five days after the shooting, doctors removed Vadell from the ventilator. He regained consciousness, began speaking, and showed movement on his left side—milestones met with relief and gratitude by those who had remained by his bedside.
On September 15, Vadell was discharged from the hospital. As he exited the facility, dozens of officers, paramedics, firefighters, and supporters lined the walkway to welcome him. His salute and thumbs-up gesture communicated a powerful message of resilience and determination.
For Vadell’s family, however, the coming months would be a delicate blend of hope and uncertainty. Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and emotional healing lay ahead, each step requiring patience and strength. But the continuous support from officers, neighbors, and strangers provided a foundation for the long recovery journey.
Courtroom Support: A Powerful Message of Unity
Months later, when Chisholm and Cross stood trial, the courtroom became a symbolic gathering place for the law enforcement community. The gallery filled quickly with officers—many of whom had been with Vadell during his recovery or had supported his family in the aftermath of the shooting.
The atmosphere was solemn yet resolute. Their presence sent a clear message: law enforcement officers stand together in moments of hardship, and an attack on one of their own is felt deeply throughout their ranks. Media reports noted that seating was scarce, with officers standing shoulder to shoulder along the walls of the courtroom.
The defendants faced the collective gaze of a community determined to show solidarity—not through intimidation, but through unity, respect, and shared purpose.
Justice Delivered Through the Legal System
The judicial process moved steadily, and the evidence presented left little room for ambiguity. After careful deliberation, the jury found both Chisholm and Cross guilty on all major counts connected to the shooting and the criminal activity leading up to it.
In December 2018, the court sentenced both men to 32 years in state prison. Under New Jersey’s “No Early Release Act,” they must serve at least 85% of their sentences before they can become eligible for parole.
During the sentencing hearing, Officer Vadell addressed the court and the defendants. His statement, filled with emotion, conveyed the lasting effects of the incident on his life and the lives of those closest to him. He spoke of the loss of mobility, independence, and precious moments with his children—reminding everyone present that the consequences of the shooting extended far beyond the initial night of violence.
A Lasting Impact on the Community
The tragedy and its aftermath reshaped the way many in Atlantic City viewed the risks undertaken by law enforcement officers. What began as a routine call illuminated the unpredictable dangers of policing and the courage required to respond to threats without hesitation.
At the same time, the weeks and months that followed revealed an extraordinary level of unity within the community. Residents, officials, and law enforcement agencies rallied behind Vadell and his family, demonstrating that compassion can emerge even in the most difficult circumstances.
For many, the packed courtroom during the trial became a symbol of shared strength. It served as a reminder that officers not only face danger together but also pursue justice together, support one another through recovery, and stand united in the face of adversity.
A Story of Resilience and Community Strength
The case of Officer Joshlee Vadell represents more than a violent incident followed by legal consequences. It tells a broader story—one of courage, recovery, solidarity, and the enduring bond shared among those who protect their communities.
Though the shooting forever altered Vadell’s life and the lives of those who love him, it also revealed a powerful truth: in moments of darkness, communities can come together, lift one another up, and demonstrate resilience that transcends tragedy.