Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in July 2016, amid nationwide discussion regarding police accountability and the relationship between police officers and their communities.
Two Atlantic City, New Jersey, criminals got a dose of karma when they appeared in court to a room full of police officers after they attempted to kill a cop during a robbery.
Two officers reportedly responded to three men trying to rob three people outside of Caesars casino, which prompted a shootout. One of the suspects, 25 year old Jerome Damon, was killed in the incident. Officer Jostle Vadell, 29, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but was later considered stable.
“Our hearts are heavy at this hour, but our resolve to captured these suspects remains undeterred,” New Jersey PBA president Patrick Colligan said in a statement following the incident. “We ask for prayers for the officer, his family, and the Atlantic City Police Department.”
In court, suspects Demitrius Cross and Martel Chisolm walked into the court room to find a room full of police officers who showed up to honor their brother in blue.
Officer Vadell’s wife gave an update on her husband’s condition 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. Sorry, I can not respond to you all individually, but I see you all care and I am telling Josh how much he is loved.”
The heartbreaking story of Vadell’s injury went viral, with many applauding the officers for showing up in court to support their colleague.
“These two are a menace to society. They should never be released back into the community. Senseless,” one commenter wrote on Facebook.
“Great to see that the men and women in blue are showing support for each other,” another added.
