Bulletproof vest saves deputy's life

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - An Escambia County, Florida Deputy's bulletproof vest saved his life Wednesday night. Deputy Ryan Robinson was shot while pursuing a suspect.

Wednesday night, three deputies attempted to make contact with a group of people at the Oakwood Terrace Apartments. As the uniformed deputies approached the crowd, two men fled on foot. Deputy Robinson gave chase.

During the chase, a suspect fired at Deputy Robinson striking him in the stomach. The deputy's bulletproof vest stopped the bullet. Deputy Robinson was transported to the hospital, while other deputies continued the chase.

While deputies attempted to catch the suspect, the sheriff's vehicle they had been driving was stolen from Oakwood Terrace Apartments. The stolen sheriff's office vehicle was later found abandoned at Coons Avenue and Norris Avenue.

Pensacola Police and the Florida Highway Patrol assisted with the search at Oakwood Terrace Apartments and in the area where the sheriff's vehicle was found.

No suspects have been arrested. Deputies warn the suspect involved in the deputy shooting is considered armed and dangerous.

Deputy Robinson was treated and released from the hospital. He is recovering at home, and is on paid administrative leave pending a medical release. Deputy Robinson has worked at the Sheriff's Office since 2006.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate. If you have any information, contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at 850-436-9620 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-433-STOP.

FOX10 News reporter John Rogers is following up on this story and will have more on FOX10 News at 4 p.m.