Rockford Police officer shot while in squad car, saved by ballistic vest

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The Rockford Police Department says a 4-year veteran of the force was shot early Thursday morning while sitting in a squad car. The officer was saved by the ballistic vest being worn.

Police say around 1:00 a.m. Thursday, officers were in the area of S. 3rd and Pope Streets in Rockford when one shot rang out from close range. Police say the bullet went through the passenger side door of the squad car and struck the officer. That officer reported feeling pain on his side.

The bullet was found on the floorboard of the car and did not penetrate the vest. The officer was checked out at an area hospital as a precaution, otherwise no other injuries were reported.

This investigation is ongoing.

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