Bulletproof vest saves police officer's life when gun fires during harrowing encounter with rabid fox
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A bulletproof vest is being credited with saving a New York police officer’s life after he accidentally shot himself while trying to outrun a rabid fox, officials said.
On Tuesday, 24-year-old
Officer Harold Nunuvero, 24, was responding to a call about the fox in Ellenville on Tuesday when the animal suddenly charged him. Nunuvero began running away and attempted to jump a fence -- but his foot got caught, causing him to flip over and fall to the ground, the Associated Press reported.
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As he landed, Nunuvero’s gun went off -- and hit his bulletproof vest.
“That bulletproof vest, without doubt, without question, saved his life today,” Hudson Valley Village Police Chief Philip Mattracion told the Times Herald-Record.
Another officer, Sgt. Robert Morse, shot and killed the fox as Nunuvero lay on the ground.
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Initially, Nunuvero didn’t even realize the shot from his gun had hit him, Mattracion said. The 24-year-old was treated at Ellenville Regional Hospital and later released.
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“He has an excellent work record and he’s been an excellent officer to have,” Mattracion told the newspaper.
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Fox News’ Michael Sinkewicz and The Associated Press contributed to this report.