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Tenn. deputy saved by ballistic vest during domestic call

The suspect fired a total of ten rounds at the deputy, striking him once in the chest

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James Cummins shot Deputy Phillip Douglas in the chest.

Sumner County Sheriff’s Office Image

By Police1 Staff

BETHPAGE, Tenn. — A Sumner County Sheriff’s deputy is recovering after being hit with a bullet in his ballistic vest, The Tennessean reported.

Deputy Phillip Douglas was responding to a domestic violence call Wednesday when the suspect, 50-year-old James Cummins, shot the officer in the chest, Sheriff Sonny Weatherford told the publication.

“Doctors don’t think the bullet broke his ribs, the bullet just bruised his chest,” Weatherford said in his interview.

Cummins’ sister called the authorities after Cummins refused to let his mother leave the residence. Douglas was first to arrive.

As soon as Douglas stepped out of his patrol vehicle, Cummins’ mother ran across the yard towards the deputy.

“He stopped and the suspect started firing at him from inside the residence with a rifle,” Weatherford told the news site. “Once he was hit, Deputy Douglas returned the fire and the suspect stopped shooting.”

Cummins fired a total of ten rounds at Douglas, striking the deputy once in his ballistic vest. No other injuries were reported.

Other officers arrived and arrested Cummins. They found two rifles and two pistols inside the home.

Cummins remains in custody on a $750,000 bond.