Police: Chain blocks fatal shot in Colorado man’s neck

US News

From Patrick Reilly

A thick necklace likely saved a Colorado man’s life when it prevented a bullet from piercing his neck, according to police, who called the incident “simply unbelievable.”

Police in Commerce City, just outside Denver, said the braided metal chain was the only thing standing between the man and his creator when he was shot Tuesday after an argument with another man.

The half-inch-thick chain the man was wearing around his neck stopped a .22-caliber bullet and left the shooting victim with only a minor stab wound, police said.

“We would say he actually dodged a bullet – but in reality he left a bullet behind,” the department said in a Facebook post.

The necklace is “probably the only reason the victim of a shooting we were called to yesterday is still alive,” it said.

The shooter, whose identity remained unknown, was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted murder.

Police determined that although the necklace was silver in color, it was likely not pure silver because silver is a softer metal and would not have stopped a bullet.

“Maybe you should think twice before promoting a fake,” the department joked.