Louisville Police Officer Saved by Ballistic Vest

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky -- A Louisville Metro police officer was saved by his ballistic vest after he was shot by a suspect over the weekend.

Officers were working at the Dirt Bowl basketball tournament Sunday night when they recognized a man wanted on several warrants, according to WLKY-TV.

As the officers approached the man, identified by authorities as 30-year-old Herbert Lee, he started to run away. Louisville Police Spokesperson Alicia Smiley said that Lee then pulled out a gun and opened fire.

One officer was hit, but the bullet struck his ballistic vest and he did not sustain any major injuries. The other officers returned fire, and hit the suspect. Smiley did not say how many shots were fired or how many officers discharged their weapons. The suspect was transported to University of Louisville Hospital in unknown condition.

Lee has a long criminal history dating back to 2008 when he killed four teenagers in a crash. He was released on shock probation following his conviction in that case and has since been arrested for multiple offenses.

The 12 outstanding warrants for Lee included: Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, theft by unlawful taking firearm, tampering with physical evidence, receiving stolen property (firearm), fleeing/evading 1st degree (on foot), criminal possession of a forged instrument 2nd degree, theft by deception, probation violation, receiving stolen property, wanton endangerment 1st degree, violation of emergency protective order and harassment with physical contact.

A firearm was recovered from the scene and the investigation is ongoing. Louisville Police Chief Erika Shields is expected to give a statement regarding the incident on Monday.