× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

A La Crosse police officer was shot Saturday afternoon but was saved by his bulletproof vest during a disturbance near Ninth and Cass streets.

The suspect in the shooting, who has a history of recent drug arrests, also was shot and is being treated at a local hospital.

Police were called to an apparent domestic disturbance at 317 S. Ninth St. at 3:15 p.m. The residence belongs to the ex-wife of the suspect, identified as Allen C. Kruk, 34, no permanent address.

One of the arriving officers encountered Kruk at the rear of the home. When Kruk pulled out a handgun the officer took out his sidearm and the two exchanged gunfire, according to a press release from the La Crosse Police Department. The officer was struck by one round in the chest area but was protected by his bulletproof vest. The suspect was struck multiple times by the officer’s return fire.

The officer was released after treatment at a local hospital, according to La Crosse Police Capt. Jason Melby. The officer’s name had not yet been released.