An Alachua County Sheriff's deputy's life was likely saved by his bulletproof vest on Saturday as a suspect with a violent past opened fire on him.
Deputy William Frank Williams and his partner, Deputy Jake Skelly, responded to a disturbance call at the Tower Oaks Glen apartments at 6900 SW 21st Lane around 11 p.m. when they encountered Recardio Shormon Clark, according to The Ocala Star Banner.
Officials said that the deputies were outside of the complex talking to Clark about a 911 call reporting someone had jumped from the apartments when the convicted felon pulled out a pistol and shot Williams once in the chest.
Williams returned fire before Clark retreated into the apartments, triggering a standoff with SWAT. A robot was used to enter the apartment and the man was found dead on a couch with a gun by his feet.
Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. Todd Kelly told the newspaper that all deputies are issued soft body armor and are required to wear the vests while on patrol.
An autopsy will determine the cause of death.
Williams was taken to UF Health Shands Hospital for treatment, while Skelly was uninjured in the incident.
Deputies are continuing their investigation of the incident.
