Bullet Fired at Minnesota Law Officer Stopped by Ballistic Vest

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St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The protective vest worn by a Ramsey County Sheriff's Deputy might have saved his life last night.

A news release issued by the Sheriff's Office says Deputy Joe Kill was involved in a chase in the lower Eastside Neighborhood in St. Paul when a passenger in the suspect vehicle leaned out an open window and opened fire at the law officer with an "AR-style" rifle. The statement indicated one of the bullets traveled through the squad car's engine compartment and dashboard before hitting his ballistic vest strap near his collar bone.

The Sheriff's Office reported that Deputy Kill was transported to a hospital, where he was treated and released.

The news release also indicates two .223 shell casings were found at the crime scene. A St. Paul Police Officer later located the abandoned suspect vehicle about six blocks away. It's now being processed for evidence.

The St. Paul Police also issued a news release that stated the shooting followed an attempted traffic stop around 10:45 PM. It says an officer initiated the traffic stop after witnessing reckless driving, but chose not to pursue the vehicle when the driver refused to stop and sped away.

The Sheriff's Office news release says Deputy Kill spotted the suspect vehicle a short time later and attempted to pull it over after the driver sped through a red light. The deputy was chasing it with lights and sirens activated when the gunfire erupted.

So far, no arrests have been reported.

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