Local News in Brief : Vest Saves Deputy’s Life

A bulletproof vest worn by a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy is credited with saving his life after he was shot in the back during a shoot-out with an assailant he fatally wounded.

The gunfight occurred about 9:30 p.m. Sunday in the 8800 block of Elm Street in the unincorporated area west of South Gate, Sgt. Bryan Williams said.

Deputies were responding to a report of shots fired in the area. One of the first units to arrive pulled into an alley behind a small neighborhood market, Williams said.

A deputy stepped out of his car to investigate and, as he walked behind the market, passed Izeal Pleasant, 19, going in the opposite direction.

“Then they turned and faced each other and exchanged gunfire,” Williams said. The deputy, whose name was not released, ran into the street to take cover and was struck by a bullet in the vest covering his lower back.

The deputy then fired back, fatally wounding Pleasant, Williams said. Pleasant, a resident of Los Angeles, was reported to be a gang member, the sergeant said.

The deputy was treated at a hospital for back bruises and released.