Note: This story originally made headlines in July 2016. We are republishing it to highlight the enduring impact of the incident and the powerful show of solidarity that followed.
Cop-Shooting Suspects Face Powerful Courtroom Moment as Justice Closes In
Two criminals from Atlantic City, New Jersey, got a harsh reminder of justice when they walked into a courtroom packed wall-to-wall with police officers—each one standing in solidarity with a brother in blue they nearly killed.
The confrontation that led to this dramatic day began outside Caesars casino, where two Atlantic City officers responded to an armed robbery in progress. The suspects opened fire, sparking a violent shootout. One suspect, 25-year-old Jerome Damon, was fatally shot. Officer Josh Vadell, 29, was critically wounded and rushed to the hospital, fighting for his life.
At the time, New Jersey PBA President Patrick Colligan expressed the deep concern shared across the law enforcement community:
“Our hearts are heavy at this hour, but our resolve to capture these suspects remains undeterred,” he said. “We ask for prayers for the officer, his family, and the Atlantic City Police Department.”
Months later, suspects Demitrius Cross and Martel Chisolm entered the courtroom for a legal reckoning—only to be met by a sea of uniformed officers. The powerful show of support made one thing clear: the law enforcement community never forgets its own.
Meanwhile, Officer Vadell’s journey to recovery became a beacon of hope. His wife shared an uplifting update on Facebook:
“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.”
Vadell’s story went viral, sparking an outpouring of support across the country.
“These two are a menace to society. They should never be released back into the community. Senseless,” one Facebook commenter wrote.
Another added, “Great to see that the men and women in blue are showing support for each other.”
In the end, the courtroom wasn’t just a place for justice—it became a symbol of unity, strength, and resilience in the face of violence.