TRAVERSE CITY — A ballistic vest saved a police officer from being injured by a bullet fired during a foot chase in Traverse City Nov. 15.
The officer was struck in the torso after a shooting that was connected to two people breaking into cars, the Traverse City Police Department reported today. Two teens have been arrested in connection with that shooting,
A round penetrated the officer’s handcuff case and passed through the handcuffs before being stopped by his ballistic vest, police said.
The department shared the information and images of the vest as part of their “commitment to transparency” and to highlight the importance of the ballistic vests, saying they “provide a representation of the path of the round and the critical role the vest played during the encounter.”
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the community for the outpouring of support shown to our department during this time,” the release said.
Eugene Thompson, 17, and Hunter Vanderwall, 18, both of Traverse City, face charges related to that shooting as well as the death of Lawrence Boyd IV, 32, of Traverse City, who police believe was shot earlier that night in a parking garage in downtown Traverse City.
The shooting occurred at about 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, after officers responded to reports of cars being broken into in the 100 block of Munson Avenue.
A foot chase ensued and the figure police have identified as Thompson ”turned and fired what we believe is five rounds at our officers,” Police Chief Matt Richmond said.
Another round was previously reported as going through an officer’s uniform pant leg, causing no injury to the officer.
Thompson was arraigned on charges of first-degree murder, attempted homicide, possession of a stolen gun, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, larceny from auto, and resisting and obstructing police.
Vanderwall was arraigned on charges of felony murder, larceny from an auto, and resisting and obstructing police.