Vest stops bullet in LEO shooting in Indy

[DadOfThree]

From the Indianapolis Star

www.indystar.com/articles/9/106952-9529-092.html

A bulletproof vest saved a police officer in a gun battle Monday night that left one man dead on the Northeastside.

Police said Justin Coates, 23, of Indianapolis died after exchanging shots at close range with Patrolman Adrian S. Aurs, striking the officer at least once.

Police said Aurs' vest stopped the bullet. An off-duty gun that Aurs was wearing on his chest also was struck by a bullet. It was unclear whether it was the same round.

"The vest worked," said Sgt. Russell Burns, Indianapolis Police Department spokesman. "It saved his life."

The incident began about 11 p.m. when a person called police with a report of gunfire in an apartment complex in the 6800 block of Farris Avenue. As Aurs was arriving at the complex, he saw a 1999 GMC speeding away and tried to stop it. Police learned later that the truck had been stolen.

Aurs chased the truck west on 42nd Street and then north on Sheridan Avenue. The chase ended about 12 minutes later in the 4500 block of Barnor Drive where police said Coates jumped out of the truck. Aurs chased him on foot to the rear of a home where Coates began climbing a fence.

Aurs grabbed Coates' legs, and Coates turned and fired twice at Aurs, police said.

Aurs shot back at Coates, who climbed onto a carport roof on the other side of a fence.

Police found Coates lying there, dead from a gunshot wound to the chest. A weapon was found underneath him and two shell casings were recovered from the roof. The type of weapon was not disclosed.

Once the shooting stopped at 11:19 p.m., emergency medical crews called for a fire truck so that they could use a ladder to reach Coates.

Police said they learned that Coates was wanted on several warrants.

Aurs was taken to Methodist Hospital where he was treated and released.

In August 2000, rookie Indianapolis Officer Jason Thalheimer was saved when a 9 mm slug hit his bulletproof vest. He and another officer had pulled a car over on a Saturday afternoon when a man came out shooting.

The shot knocked Thalheimer to the ground, but other than being a little sore, he was unhurt. The other officer shot and wounded the suspect.

Kedrin Sweatt, 24, was convicted of two counts of attempted murder and several other charges in the 2000 case.

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My first question is, How do you get convicted on 2 counts of attemted murder and "several other charges" and get out of prison in less than three years? They didn't mention anything about him being an escaped convict.
Good shooting on the officer's part. Won't have to worry about this guy getting another short sentence.

 

[answerguy]

Has a criminal ever tried to get out of the attempted murder charge
of a cop wearing a bullet resistant vest by claiming "I wasn't trying to kill him, I knew he had a vest on"?

 

[TheeBadOne]

Has a criminal ever tried to get out of the attempted murder charge
of a cop wearing a bullet resistant vest by claiming "I wasn't trying to kill him, I knew he had a vest on"?

Yes, many a time. Also used, "I did shoot once at the Police, but then they shot back so I continued to fire, it was in self defense because the Police were shooting at me..."
There's no end to what they try.

 

[answerguy]

Yes, many a time. Also used, "I did shoot once at the Police, but then they shot back so I continued to fire, it was in self defense because the Police were shooting at me..."

Did either defense work?...I sure hope not.

 

[DadOfThree]

Yes, many a time. Also used, "I did shoot once at the Police, but then they shot back so I continued to fire, it was in self defense because the Police were shooting at me..."

Ahh.... the old "Premptive Self Defense" gambit Cam their lawyers keep a straight face when trying this in front of a judge?

 

[El Tejon]

I'm glad the officer is O.K. Stowing the bug in the vest chest pocket was the "in" thing to do when I was at IPD. Looks like still in vogue.

I do not understand why the Star is so keen to advise everyone that IPD wears vests. Think the coppers would tell them to shut up about it.

answer, yes, it has worked, several times to my knowledge. Usually applicable to persons who defend their homes against SWAT teams who have mistaken addresses.

Dad, not preemptive, the SWAT teams usually came in shooting or threatening to shoot. It happens as well in drug cases where a CI (Confidential Informant) makes a mistake regarding an alleged "dealer" or the drug task force is mistaken about the dealer or mixes you up with someone.

Imagine you come off the job site and stop in a busy Village Pantry to pick up a gallon of milk like the wife told you. At this time someone is about to be arrested who is your height and wearing the same kind of jacket (Carnhart brown work jacket). As you enter the VP, the non-uniformed coppers descend. You perform a brilliant right cross to the jaw of the copper who thinks who are the meth dealer. Non-hilarity ensues.

Edit to add: yes, I did keep a straight face. Everyone makes mistakes of fact, even "criminals." In criminal law--it just depends.

Flame disclaimer: Not a knock on the concept of SWAT teams or service of high risk warrants, just answering a question of answer's. It does happen. If it happened to a THR member's home, that member may be considered a "criminal." FYI.