New Castle, In. — A protective vest saved the life of New Castle police officer over the weekend.
A report from the Indiana State Police says officers were investigating a report of a man breaking into cars in the area of “K” Avenue and Columbus Street Sunday morning around 4:15 when Jarred Burke, 24, fled on a bicycle.
A police canine officer was able to apprehend Burke behind a church in the 1700 block of Columbus Street. As officers approached to call the dog Burke pulled out a handgun and fired a single shot striking one of the officers in the chest. The officer returned fire striking Burke.
Burke and the officer were taken to Henry Community Health Hospital where Burke later died. The officer was treated and is expected to make a full recovery. Initial reports credit the protective vest with saving the life of the officer.
The incident remains under investigation.
