An off-duty police officer, working as a private security guard at an Illinois trucking company, was shot multiple times by a disgruntled employee. The cop's life was saved when the gunman's weapon jammed after striking his bulletproof vest.

The confrontation: Occurring at MN89 INC. in Oak Lawn, a dispute between employees escalated when the disgruntled worker drew a gun. He fired five shots at the officer's chest, all of which were stopped by the vest, but one bullet hit the officer’s leg.

• Quick action: The officer wrestled the assailant to the ground with help from a colleague, after which a tourniquet was applied to his wounded leg, detailed Patch.
• The injured officer was later released from the hospital while the shooter is in custody facing charges.

Response and aftermath: Nearby Richards High School had enacted a temporary shelter-in-place. The Oak Lawn police emphasized that the investigation into the incident continues and charges are pending.

The incident underscores the essential role of security measures, like bulletproof vests, in protecting officers—even when off duty—in potentially lethal confrontations.