A police officer who was shot in the head responding to a robbery at an Atlantic City, casino garage is out of the hospital.

Joshlee Vadell left AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center on Thursday to cheers and applause from dozens of officers and emergency workers. He gave them a thumbs-up from his stretcher as he was wheeled to a waiting ambulance. He was taken to a rehabilitation center.

Vadell underwent surgery after being critically hurt in the Sept. 3 shooting. His surgeon says he has "come a long way very quickly."

Authorities say Vadell was shot while exiting his vehicle. A second officer returned fire and struck a robbery suspect, who later was found dead a short distance away.

Two other suspects remain jailed on charges including attempted murder.