This Bolivian cop says his life was “miraculously” saved after he was shot at by protesters but a small bible in his breast pocket – pictured here – stopped the bullet.
The incident occurred as police were working to restore order during protests in the municipality of Yapacani, in the eastern Bolivian region of Santa Cruz, according to Oscar Gutierrez the head of the Special Force of the Fight Against Crime of Santa Cruz.
Gutierrez told officers: “He is a young officer whose life was saved miraculously, he was shot by a projectile, I assume of 9mm calibre, and I know the weapons used were stolen from the Bolivian police.”
He added that the officer was shot in the left part of the chest and “had a Bible that stopped the projectile”.
The officer involved, who has not been named told local media that “yes, it was a miracle”.
Cops had been working to open up the road which had been occupied by protesters who are reportedly supporters of ousted President Evo Morales when the incident occurred.
The protesters are said to have shot firearms and used tear gas stolen from the police some days ago.
The cop was sent to the city of Santa Cruz in order to undergo medical tests but he will return to work soon as was not injured in the incident, according to reports.
Around 30 people were arrested, the majority of whom are not local residents and it is believed that they were taken to Yapacani in order to start riots, police reported.
Bolivia is in the middle of a social and political crisis after Morales stepped down from the presidency and fled to Mexico after commander-in-chief of the Bolivian armed forces, Williams Kaliman, called for him to leave his post after the Organisation of American States (OAS) reported alleged irregularities in recent elections in Bolivia.
Jeanine Anez has now assumed the interim presidency.
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Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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