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Vest saves Calif. deputy shot in chest

A deputy who was shot in the chest while serving eviction papers was saved by his ballistic vest

By Police1 Staff

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. A deputy who was shot in the chest while serving eviction papers was saved by his ballistic vest.

The Press Democrat reports that the unnamed deputy and another officer arrived at suspect William Lloyd Nelson’s home Tuesday afternoon to serve court papers calling for his eviction.

Nelson then shot at deputies, striking one of them in the chest.

Both officers fled the scene while returning fire, according to the Times-Standard. California Highway Patrol officers, additional deputies, a sheriff’s office SWAT team, crisis negotiators, and a medical team responded to the scene.

Nelson fled his home before officers arrived, but was arrested early Wednesday after being found attempting to return to his home.

A CHP helicopter airlifted the injured deputy to a nearby hospital. The deputy suffered bruising, and his vest is being credited with saving his life.