Vest Saves Mississippi Officer; Suspect Sought

A police officer in Corinth, Mississippi was shot twice with his own gun by a suspect early Wednesday morning.

Officer Kevin Parker Jr. was responding to a report of a prowler on Bell School Road around 4:40 a.m. when the incident occurred, according to WREG-TV.

Officials said the man ran in front of Parker's patrol vehicle and was ordered to stop, but began charging at the officer.

Corinth Police Chief Ralph Dance told the media that the suspect was able to get a hold of the officer's gun during a struggle and turn it on him.

Despite being able to keep hold of the firearm, Parker was shot once in the chest and once in the shoulder.

A bulletproof vest purchased only two months ago by the department stopped the shot to Parker's chest, likely saving his life.

Parker, who has been on the force since March, was listed in good condition at a hospital in Tupelo.

The suspect is currently being sought and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service are assisting.