Shot US policeman saved by badge

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A Las Vegas police officer who became involved in a shootout on Saturday night may be thanking his badge for saving his life.

The 31-year-old officer, who has not yet been named, was struck by a bullet in an exchange of fire with a suspect.

However, the bullet struck the badge and the officer suffered only minor injuries.

Police are searching for the gunman, who may also have been hit and who fled after the incident.

The officer had been on patrol in northern Las Vegas when he heard shots coming from an apartment block, the Las Vegas Sun reported.

The officer became engaged in the fire fight when he tried to stop the suspect.