Designer makes bulletproof clothing for kids
(CBS News) The school year is coming to a close, but when students return in a couple months, there may be something new in at least a few classrooms.
Some believe it's a necessary layer of security in an age scarred by school shootings.
Miguel Caballero conducted one of the most unusual product demonstrations ever: He shot someone at close range.
Caballero is known for making "the 'Armani' of bulletproof clothing.
His high-style protective gear is worn by high-profile clients from South America to the Persian Gulf.
But after the Sandy Hook school shooting, the Colombian businessman said he was flooded with calls from American parents. So he created a new line: MC Kids.
"We have to adapt the product to reduce totally the trauma to the children."
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He says the bulletproof backpack is now a best-seller.
"It provides a lot of protection," said Timothy Hogan of Elite Sterling Security. "It can sustain multiple shots with pretty high caliber weapons."
Elite Sterling Security is Caballero's Denver-based U.S. distributor. Since the March launch, Hogan said they've sold more than 300 backpacks nation-wide at $250 a piece
"We look at it as an additional safety measure, no different than wearing seat belts in your car. It's just one more level of protection that can help take care of our kids," he said.
At a nearby park, 4-year-old Alex Phillips liked the backpack. His father Zach wasn't sure.
"After some of the recent tragedies we've had, I don't know how much it would've prevented or if it would've helped in any of these cases but I suppose it's not a bad idea," Zach Phillips said.
Some extra protection seemed like a good idea to 14-year-old Trey Martinez.
"It would be more ensuring if something did happen, then I'd feel safer," he said.
His mother Amy says after the Aurora and Sandy Hook shootings, her sons expressed concerns about going to school.
"It's upsetting that, you know, there is a lot we can't -- we have to be aware of now, I guess," she said. "But at the same time I don't think it should stop us, so we'll just be prepared."
Caballero and his U.S. partner say they have also had requests for larger, high school and college-style backpacks. It's something they are working on and hope to have available soon.
