NJ Cops September 2016 | Page 12

Can you help an officer in need? After being shot in the head foiling a robbery, Atlantic City Local 24 member Joshlee Vadell needs your help At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 3, Atlantic City Local 24 member Joshlee Vadell was patrolling outside Caesar’s Casino when he and his partner observed a robbery in progress. As Vadell exited his vehicle, one of the three suspects opened fire and struck the nine-year veteran in the head. Vadell’s partner returned fire, permanently killing one suspect; the other two suspects were apprehended shortly after and charged with attempted murder, robbery and weapons offenses. Vadell was rushed to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center where he underwent surgery, and thankfully, his condition has since been upgraded to “critical, but stable.” But the 29 year old still has a long way to go, and now it’s time for the Thin Blue Line to shine. Following the incident, local business owner Coby Frier jumped into action by teaming up with Local 24 to set up a NJ COP SHOT - ALERT $20k reward offered in shooting of Atlantic City Officer The NJ Cop Shot program has posted a reward of $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects responsible for shooting Atlantic City Local 24 member Joshlee Vadell on Sept. 3. “Our hearts are heavy at this hour, but our resolve to capture these suspects remains undeterred,” promises New Jersey State PBA President Patrick Colligan. “We ask for prayers for the officer, his family and the Atlantic City Police Department.” Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers of Atlantic County at 800-658-TIPS (8477) or text “TIPCOP” plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Information can be reported confidentially and anonymously. NJ Cop Shot is a program run by the New Jersey State PBA. 12 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 GoFundMe page to assist Vadell with his medical costs and time away from work. In the first four days alone, more than