Bulletproof vest saves Denver officer’s life following shootout with suspect

DENVER (KKTV) - A bulletproof vest saved a police officer’s life after he was hit multiple times during a shootout in Denver early Wednesday morning.

“All of the rounds apparently were stopped by the bulletproof vest that he was wearing,” said Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas.

The officer was ambushed by the suspect while sitting his patrol car outside of a hotel. According to Thomas, the officer saw a man go inside the hotel; moments later, that same man emerged carrying a gun and started shooting at the officer through the passenger window.

“The officer was struck several times. However, he was able to exit the vehicle on the driver’s side, seek cover and then return fire,” Thomas said. “He aired that he had been involved in a shooting. Officers began arriving on scene and discovered the officer and the suspect down.”

The suspect was pronounced dead after reaching the hospital. The officer, while in “significant discomfort,” did not suffer any life-threatening injuries. Thomas said he was hit twice in the back and once in the chest.

The officer is a longtime member of the police force, having been with the Denver Police Department for at least a decade, if not longer. He has not been identified at the time of this writing.

This is a developing story, and we will update as we learn more.

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