The State - News from March 23, 1988

A police officer ambushed at close range survived the unprovoked shooting because he was wearing a bulletproof vest, Oakland authorities said. Officer Harry D. Armstrong, 32, suffered minor wounds in his left leg, back and scalp after being hit at least four times, Oakland Police Sgt. Jerry Harris said. “Fortunately, his injuries are slight,” Harris said. “I would say the vest saved his life.” Armstrong parked his car and was retrieving a thermos from the trunk while preparing to write a crime report when a volley of shots was fired from nearby bushes, police said. More than 20 officers, including some in helicopters, searched the area for nearly three hours without finding a gunman, police said.