Police ask how slug pierced vest of officer

Police are investigating whether the slug that pierced a Forest Hills police officer's protective vest was a Teflon-coated "cop-killer" bullet.

The slug seared through Forest Hills police Officer Ed Limbacher's 61/2-pound bulletproof vest, lodging in his abdomen. Another bullet hit him in the arm. Limbacher, 33, a five-year Forest Hills police veteran, was in guarded but stable condition Tuesday at UPMC Presbyterian hospital, Oakland.

Police say Courtney Cox, 18, of the Hill District, shot Limbacher at 9 p.m. Monday as he and four officers with the state Attorney General's Drug Task Force closed in during a prearranged heroin buy in the Forest Hills Plaza Shopping Center on Ardmore Boulevard.

Police are trying to determine whether the bullet that penetrated the vest was coated in Teflon, which is designed to protect gun barrels from the damaging effects of firing armor-piercing rounds.

The bullets remaining in Cox's .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun were not coated, Forest Hills Mayor Ray Heller Jr. said. Police will test four casings found at the scene and residue from Limbacher's vest.

"We supply our officers with the best equipment possible," Forest Hills police Chief Bill Fabrizi said. "The vest was a Level II, one of the best bulletproof vests that are made. We're looking into why the bullet penetrated it."

The Level II vest worn by Limbacher is designed to stop bullets fired from 9 mm and .357 Magnum handguns, police said. A Level IIA vest, a notch below the Level II, is designed to stop bullets fired from 9 mm and .40-caliber handguns, police said. "It's almost outrageous that the vest was the problem," Forest Hills police Sgt. Ed Hinchey said.

Police would not disclose the name of the vest's manufacturer.

Limbacher and four other officers spilled out of an unmarked van Monday and identified themselves as police as they closed in on Cox, who was approaching another vehicle occupied by two undercover officers, Hinchey said.

"It was no surprise to me that he was the first out of the van." Hinchey said. "You don't find a more professional officer than Ed Limbacher."

Limbacher was about 4 feet away when Cox drew his gun and began squeezing off rounds, Hinchey said. No other officers were injured.

Several police officers returned fire, but Cox fled unharmed, crossing Rockwood Avenue before being caught on Portage Way, Fabrizi said. Cox aimed his weapon at Wilkinsburg police who were giving chase before throwing it into a nearby Domino's Pizza store parking lot, police said.

Cox was charged with attempted murder, seven counts of aggravated assault and seven counts of recklessly endangering another person and firearms violations. He is in the Allegheny County Jail on $1 million bond.

Margaret Hoffman, 71, of the 200 block of Rockwood Avenue, said she heard the gunfire and shouted downstairs to her husband and children and grandchildren.

A split-second later, she said, police swarmed past her home. She said Cox ran through her front yard, vaulting a railing and turning into an alley, where police finally corralled him. Hoffman said she didn't fear for her own safety, but for the health of the wounded officer.

"I was more concerned about the police officer that got shot," Hoffman said.

For Limbacher, the father of two young children, his biggest worry Monday night was his family, said Fabrizi, who rode to the hospital with Limbacher.

"I don't know how to put it into words, he's got good moral character, and he's a dedicated and excellent family man," Fabrizi said.