On January 10, 2014, Officer Michael Matsik was involved in a vehicle pursuit when he attempted to conduct a traffic stop. When the vehicle finally pulled over, a male passenger fled on foot and Officer Matsik immediately ran after the him. While Officer Matsik was chasing the suspect, the driver of the vehicle struck Officer Matsik, hit a postal truck traveling southbound and allowed the male suspect to get back into the vehicle.
The force of the vehicle impact caused Officer Matsik to land on top of the postal truck before landing on the road and the suspects fled the scene. Officer Matsik was rushed to the hospital with injuries to his head, legs and arms. However, his torso was protected by his ABA® BR01 Level II armor worn in a TAC carrier.
All the medical personnel who treated Officer Matsik credit his armor with saving him from serious bodily harm or worse. The officer was released from the hospital three days later. The suspects were captured and charged with aggravated assault.
Officer Matsik received the Purple Heart for his injuries sustained in the line of duty and will be returning to full duty. We welcome Officer Michael Matsik, SAVE #1884, to The Safariland Group SAVES CLUB®.
