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Bulletproof Vest Saves Fullerton Cop Shot In The Chest During Routine Traffic Stop

FULLERTON (CBSLA.com) — A Fullerton police officer who was shot in the chest at point-blank range early Sunday morning during a routine traffic stop was saved by his bulletproof vest.

The unidentified 7-year veteran of the Fullerton Police Department was struck by gunfire around 12:15 a.m. at Woods and Knepp avenues when he reportedly pulled over 29-year-old Marcos Bush.

"At some point during the conversation, or during his contact with the individuals in the vehicle, the driver produced a handgun, brought it out the window and at almost point-blank range, shot the officer in the chest," said Sgt. Jeff Stuart of the Fullerton Police Department.

He continued, "The position he got hit was just off the center (of the bulletproof vest). It would basically be right in the area where your heart would be."

Bush, who has a long rap sheet for robbery, carjacking and assault, fled the scene, but was later taken into custody in Anaheim.

A second suspect, 27-year-old Sjanee Duhart, was caught with the car in Riverside Sunday morning.

The wounded police officer, who works the K-9 unit and already received the department's award for bravery for helping to save a suicidal man, is expected to recover.

Authorities said this was the first Fullerton officer shot in more than a decade.

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