Bulletproof vest maker files for Chapter 11

CENTRAL LAKE, Mich. -- Second Chance Body Armor Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after being hit with lawsuits in at least 10 states, including Illinois, accusing it of selling defective bulletproof vests.

One lawsuit blames the company -- the nation's largest manufacturer of soft, concealable body armor for law enforcement -- in the shooting death of a California police officer. Another, brought by the state of Utah, led to a $210,000 settlement.

The bankruptcy petition, filed Sunday, puts the lawsuits on hold while Second Chance tries to work its way out of financial trouble.

The company announced in September 2003 that it had concerns about Zylon, the synthetic fiber used in the vests. Since then, lawsuits have been filed, federal and state investigations begun, and finger-pointing has ensued between Second Chance and Zylon's producer, Toyobo Co. of Japan.

Lawsuits have also been filed in Chicago, Arizona, Texas, Massachusetts, Georgia, Connecticut, Arkansas, Pennsylvania and Minnesota.

Toyobo has acknowledged that tests show Zylon loses 10 percent to 20 percent of its durability within two years of manufacture. But the company insisted the fiber works well in body armor that is properly constructed.

Second Chance claims to have spared more than 935 wearers from death or serious injury with is products.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has also investigated the company but has not filed suit.

A number of other attorneys general said Tuesday that Second Chance's bankruptcy filing did not come as a surprise and would not halt their lawsuits.

"We will still be able to pursue our claims in the bankruptcy court," Arkansas Attorney General Mike Beebe said. "I and attorneys general in other states will continue to do our best toward getting full refunds for the faulty vests that were purchased, and to secure proper body armor for" law enforcement officers.

Last year, the Fraternal Order of Police estimated 200,000 of the nation's 700,000 police officers wear vests made with Zylon, which has also been used by other body armor manufacturers in the United States and Canada.

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On the Net:

Second Chance Body Armor: http://www.secondchance.com