Lawrence County Deputy Saved by Body Armor When Shot

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Published on February 25 2016 10:20 am
Last Updated on February 25 2016 10:21 am
Written by Greg Sapp

A southern Illinois man faces a charge of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer after allegedly shooting a sheriff's deputy who was saved by his body armor.

Lawrence County State's Attorney Chris Quick filed the charge Tuesday against 55-year-old Keith McKinney of Lawrenceville.

Investigators say McKinney fired a gunshot that struck Lawrence County Deputy Kyle Gilmore in the chest after the officer made a traffic stop Monday. The Evansville Courier & Press reports Gilmore's body armor stopped the bullet, and the deputy returned fire, striking McKinney in the leg.

McKinney was taken to a hospital in Evansville, Indiana, where he underwent surgery for his injuries. He remains hospitalized under police guard.