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A Gowanda Police officer is lucky to be alive. He was on patrol in rural Gowanda when something hit his squad car. When he got out to investigate things turned bad.
The officer chased a person into the woods, and then heard shots fired. He realized he had been hit by a bullet that did not pierce his bullet proof vest. Police tell 7 News the gunman used a small caliber long gun, possibly a 22 caliber rifle.
Police have not released the officers name, but did say he is lucky to be alive. "Without question, it's a good thing he had his vest on. It saved his life. He has been examined. He's fine. He's been released from the hospital. The vest did it's job." said Gowanda Police Lt. Richard Cooper.
The shooting touched off a massive response that included Gowanda Police, Erie and Cattaraugus Counties, and state police. Swat teams were also called in. They set up a perimeter in the woods and eventually caught the would be gun man. A suspect is in custody although his name has not been released. Police say charges are pending.
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