Long Island Law Enforcement Say Officer Saved By Body Armor

Hempstead officials say an officer involved in a gunfight on New York’s Long Island was saved by his body armor.

The officer was hit in the arm and back, but the injuries are described as “non-life-threatening.” Village Police Chief Joseph Wing tells reporters that police were investigating a robbery at about 3 a.m. Friday. As officers tried to question a suspect near Washington Street in the village, Wing says the man fled and opened fire.

Police officer saved by body armor

Wing says the bullet was recovered from the officer’s bullet proof vest, and that it “definitely” saved him from a possible death. The officer returned fire and struck the suspect in three places.

One suspect, Michael Benitez was arrested on charges of attempted murder of an officer. He remains hospitalized and is awaiting arraignment.