JEWETT, Texas — A Leon County deputy escaped harm in a shooting incident that authorities describe as a possible ambush, thanks to the bullet-resistant glass installed in the deputy’s patrol car, as reported by KBTX.
Sheriff Kevin Ellis stated that the event unfolded when the deputy was answering a 911 call from a woman in need of assistance. Upon the deputy’s arrival, the suspect began shooting, discharging eight bullets into the driver’s side windshield of the patrol vehicle.
The deputy emerged unscathed, shielded by the bullet-resistant glass. The suspect was apprehended without any further complications.
Sheriff Ellis expressed gratitude for the life-saving technology and the support from the community. “The Leon County Sheriff’s Office extends a special thank you to the citizens of Leon County and Operation Safe Shield for enabling us to outfit some of our vehicles with bullet-resistant glass,” he remarked. “Thanks to this, our deputy was able to return home safely this morning.”
Clifford Dorn, president of Operation Safe Shield, emphasized the significance of their work in safeguarding law enforcement officers. “This incident underscores the vital nature of our mission,” Dorn said. “It validates the importance of our technology, and today it saved an officer’s life. The investment has proven worthwhile. Our goal is to ensure officers return home safely at the end of their shifts, and today, the bullet-resistant glass fulfilled its purpose.”
Currently, Operation Safe Shield has equipped over 120 patrol vehicles in the Brazos Valley with bullet-resistant glass. A vehicle with these protective features was recently donated to the City of Snook.
In Texas, legislation aimed at broadening this initiative is on the brink of approval. House Bill 2217, spearheaded by State Representative Trey Wharton, proposes a statewide grant program to assist law enforcement agencies in installing bullet-resistant windshields and windows. The bill has passed with bipartisan support and is pending the governor’s signature.