Dozens gather for 'clap out' as Atlantic City police SWAT officer released from the hospital
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- A SWAT sergeant who was shot while serving a warrant earlier this month was released from the hospital Thursday, as doctors and colleagues detailed the severity of injuries that nearly took his life.
Sgt. Christian Ivanov had been hospitalized since June 2, when he was one of two officers shot during a warrant service at a home in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
According to the state attorney general's office, a man inside the home fired shots at officers. A third officer returned fire, killing the man.
Sources said the warrant was related to narcotics.
A crowd of officers, medical staff and family members gathered to support Ivanov as he left the hospital.
"June 2nd is going to be something that's going to live with us forever. We're all hoping for a positive outcome. So we're thrilled that we got here," said Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos.
Ivanov was rushed to the hospital by fellow officers after being shot. Doctors at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center said his recovery has been remarkable, given the extent of his injuries.
"The man I met on June 2 is completely different from the man I see today," said Dr. Kelly Willman, trauma medical director at the hospital.
Willman said Ivanov lost a significant amount of blood when a bullet struck his femoral artery, a critical injury that can quickly become fatal.
"If his teammates - his fellow officers - did not have the forethought to apply pressure the way that they did before getting him here, I don't even think he would've made it to us," Willman said.
Law enforcement officers from across the region attended Ivanov's release in a show of solidarity, including former Atlantic City police officer Josh Vadell.
"It's tough to see it, but it's also amazing to experience it on this side of it," Vadell said.
Vadell, who was shot in the head while on duty in 2016, said he came to support Ivanov because of his own experience recovering from a life-threatening injury.
"The feelings I felt leaving here and having all the support, I can kind of understand what he's going through," Vadell said.
Ivanov is now heading to a rehabilitation facility as he continues his recovery and works to regain full strength.
The shooting remains under investigation by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
