Pottawatomie County Deputy Credits Vest for Saving Life

Pottawatomie County Deputy Joe Leeds knows he's lucky to be alive. Wednesday evening someone in a red pickup shot at him during a traffic stop.

Thursday, August 19th 2010, 6:48 pm

By: News 9


By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

SHAWNEE, Oklahoma -- Pottawatomie County Deputy Joe Leeds knows he's lucky to be alive. Wednesday evening someone in a red pickup shot at him during a traffic stop.

Four bullets hit him in the chest, but he survived thanks to his bullet-proof vest.

"Without this vest I wouldn't be here, that's for sure," Leeds said. "I felt like what was like a paintball gun striking me in the chest, and I heard firecrackers. I knew what it was."

The vests are a requirement of all Pottawatomie County Sheriff's deputies.

"I cannot go to your family and tell them you're deceased because I didn't make you wear a vest or I didn't provide you with the equipment that would keep you alive," said Pottawatomie County Sheriff Mike Booth.

Booth said the deputies wear used vests borrowed from other agencies, but new ones are on order.

"It was tear-jerking to see my kids, to say the least. Every day we wake up and every day we go home from a job like this is another good day," Leeds said.

Deputy Leeds managed to get off three shots at the pickup and may have hit it.

The search continues for the people in the red Chevrolet pickup.

Meanwhile Leeds said he wants to return to work immediately to help find the people who shot him. However, Booth said he thinks it's best Leeds take a couple of days off first to recuperate before rejoining the hunt.

Authorities are looking for a red mid-nineties red Chevrolet pickup.

Anyone with information should call the Pottawatomie County Sheriff at 405-273-1727.

More: Pottawatomie Co. Deputy Shot 4 Times, Manhunt Underway for Suspects

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