JEWETT, Texas — A Leon County deputy is safe after ashooting incident that officials are calling a potential ambush that could have turned deadly if not for bullet-resistant glass recently installed in the deputy’s patrol vehicle, KBTX reported.
According to Sheriff Kevin Ellis, the shooting occurred when the deputy was responding to a 911 call from a woman requesting help. The suspect opened fire when the deputy arrived. The suspect reportedly fired eight rounds directly into the driver’s side windshield of the patrol unit.
Due to the bullet-resistant glass, the deputy was unharmed. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
In a statement, Sheriff Ellis credited the life-saving technology and community support.
“The Leon County Sheriff’s Office wants to especially thank the citizens of Leon County and Operation Safe Shield for allowing us to equip some of our vehicles with bullet-resistant glass,” he said. “With this, our deputy was able to go home safe this morning.”
Clifford Dorn, president of Operation Safe Shield, told KBTX that the incident highlights the importance of their mission to protect law enforcement officers with enhanced safety equipment.
“This is exactly why we do what we do,” Dorn said. “It shows us the importance of the technology, and what we’re doing just saved an officer’s life today. This makes all the money we have spent worth it. Our mission is to make sure we get them home at the end of their shifts, and it’s incredible to see that the bullet-resistant glass today did exactly what it’s supposed to do.”
Currently, more than 120 patrol vehicles in the Brazos Valley have been equipped with bullet-resistant glass through Operation Safe Shield. The City of Snook recently received a donated vehicle outfitted with protective upgrades.
Legislation in Texas aimed at expanding this effort is pending final approval. House Bill 2217, authored by State Representative Trey Wharton, would create a statewide grant program to help law enforcement agencies install bullet-resistant windshields and windows. The bill passed with bipartisan support and awaits the governor’s signature.
