Highway Patrol trooper’s badge might have saved him in shootout

Courtesy Nevada Highway Patrol

A Nevada Highway Patrol trooper’s badge might have protected him from serious harm during a shootout that left a suspect dead early Friday.

At least one bullet fired by the suspect struck the trooper's badge, NHP spokeswoman Chelsea Stuenkel said, adding that she wasn’t sure whether he was wearing a protective vest. The Highway Patrol tweeted a photo of the apparently bent badge along with the message, "We are grateful the Trooper went home safe to his family."

The incident began as a traffic stop shortly after midnight on Boulder Highway near U.S. 95. The trooper had pulled over a car driven by a woman and occupied by the suspect and another man, Stuenkel said.

A chase ensued, and the suspect fled and then began to shoot, prompting the trooper to return fire, Stuenkel said.

Boulder Highway in the area was shut down for more than eight hours, snarling morning rush-hour traffic.

The investigation is ongoing, and the trooper and suspect have not been identified.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.