MASSILLON, Ohio -- A Massillon police officer died Friday night after a suspect chase that started out as a routine traffic stop.

Preliminary autopsy results show that Eric Taylor (pictured, left), 31, died after he was shot in the back below his bulletproof vest.

NewsChannel5 reported that, according to officials, the bullet traveled up Taylor's body and into his heart.

Officiers said the situation started when Taylor reportedly pulled over Donald Matthews, 61, for speeding.

Investigators said Matthews refused to hand over his driver's license and drove off.

Police said that Matthews fired a Czechoslovakian semi-automatic handgun after a 12-mile chase. He stopped in a construction zone, got out of the car, and started firing, hitting Taylor.

Officers shot back, killing the Canton, Ohio, man.

"It's very sad, having to go through something like this," said Sgt. James Mizeras of the Massillon Police Department. "I hope it's the last time."

The four-year police veteran was married with two kids, ages 1 and 3.

Loved ones said that he was a "good guy."

"(He was) great, loving, open-hearted, calm -- just a good person," one friend said.

It's still not known why Matthews refused to give up his license or why he fled.