On January 26, 2013 officers and deputies from multiple departments responded to a reported house fire. While in route to the call, the first responders received information regarding a man with a gun at the same location. As Deputy Jason Javier and Deputy Matthew Strickland of St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office arrived, the suspect opened fire on their patrol car with a 12-gauge shotgun.
Deputy Javier then maneuvered the car to a more secure location and began returning fire. His partner Deputy Strickland, was a rookie with less than one week on the street, and Deputy Javier moved to check on him. Deputy Strickland was hit and while Deputy Javier was moving him to cover, the assailant shot Deputy Javier in the left arm, leg and back. Deputy Javier turned and returned fire at the assailant and continued to move Deputy Strickland to cover.
Deputy Javier’s arm and leg were both fractured, but his Second Chance® MR01 level IIIA stopped the 12-gauge .00 buck shot that hit his back. Other officers arrived and took the wounded assailant into custody. Both deputies were transported to the hospital for treatment and will be returning to full duty.
We welcome Deputy Jason Javier, SAVE # 1853, to The Safariland Group SAVES CLUB®.
