Bulletproof vest is credited with saving deputy

The Associated Press

A bulletproof vest likely saved the life of a Forsyth County sheriff''s deputy who was shot at least once in the chest Wednesday. His assailant, who was shot once in the head, was not expected to survive, according to the Forsyth County Sheriff''s Department.

Investigators said Hayes Masten Jones, 28, of 2951 Northbridge Road, was in critical condition Wednesday evening at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. The hospital did not release information on Jones at his request.

However, Jones'' condition was so severe late Wednesday that the sheriff''s department did not post a guard at his room, Sgt. Brad Stanley said. It was unknown Wednesday whether Jones had been shot by a deputy or if his wound was self-inflicted, Stanley said.

Deputy Kenneth Davis was shot at least once in the chest, but a bulletproof vest kept the bullet from penetrating. Davis and Deputy Robbie Shinault approached Jones'' car, which was stopped on the side of the road about 8:30 a.m. Authorities said Jones shot Davis near the vehicle, and Shinault fired back.