A hero policeman caught up in a shootout with a crazed gunman was saved from taking a bullet - after it hit the iPhone in his pocket.<br /><br />Off-duty Sergeant Major Powaret Banjong, 31, had been visiting the packed restaurant when he intervened in an argument on a nearby table. The dispute involved local gangster Somchai Saechua, 49, who was drunk and shouting at a woman.<br /><br />The mafia figure opened fire on the cop - who was celebrating a birthday with friends - hitting him in the thigh and forearm. But a third bullet was prevented from making contact after it smashed into the iPhone he had in his right pocket. <br /><br />The smartphone's screen was shattered and there was a bullet-hole in the top right corner - but it did not penetrate the other side.<br /><br />Powaret collapsed and his colleague, Lance Corporal Naretrak Krueawara, 30, grabbed the 9mm automatic handgun and continued the shootout as 200 diners ran for cover.<br /><br />The gangster was shot in the stomach and right temple, arm, stomach and leg. He was taken to hospital where he is in a critical condition.<br /><br />Powaret is also recovering in hospital while the alleged gangster has been charged with attempted murder.<br /><br />The cop said: ''I'm very lucky to be alive. My iPhone saved me from getting hit a third time. Two bullets is OK but three would have been harder to survive. I think the phone saved my life. Thank you to my colleague for protecting me. I want to get better and return to work to catch more criminals.''
