ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. — Camera footage released Monday shows the chaotic moments after Colorado state trooper was wounded earlier this month while sitting inside his vehicle on U.S. Highway 36.
Around 1:18 p.m. on Sept. 7, Corporal Tye Simcox was shot in his right forearm as he sat in his vehicle in the median of the highway in Adams County.
CSP Chief Matthew Packard said Simcox often sat in that area because he was protected from traffic and he felt safe there. The footage shows a black truck slowing down in the eastbound lanes of traffic just before a gunshot pierces the windshield of Simcox's vehicle.
"He slowed significantly as he approached Corporal Simcox's patrol car and then he began to fire a handgun through the driver's side window toward Corporal Simcox's marked Ford F-150," Packard said.
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Multiple other rounds struck the vehicle, and one of them severed the cable to the vehicle's forward-facing camera, which prevented other aspects of the shooting from being recorded.
The shooter then pulled onto the left shoulder. Simcox initially grabbed his handgun but returned to his vehicle for his rifle when he realized the suspect was a little further away. He moved to the back of his vehicle and fired at the shooter multiple times.
Content Warning: This video contains strong language, the sound of gunshots and images of blood. It may be difficult for some people to watch. The video was edited and compiled by CSP.
Packard said he believed the shooter was struck multiple times but couldn't say how many times he was struck.
As Simcox attempted to apply a tourniquet to himself, a bystander pulled up and Simcox yelled at the man to come over and asked him to assist him with the tourniquet.
"The son of b**** ambushed me," Simcox is heard yelling to the good Samaritan.
The man told Simcox his wife was in the car and had a gun, but Simcox ordered the man to tell his wife to keep the weapon in the car.
Another trooper arrived on the scene about four minutes after hearing Simcox call out on the radio that he'd been shot.
When he arrived, an off-duty officer had the gunman, who was on the ground wounded, at gunpoint. The trooper handcuffed the suspect and then drove Simcox to Denver Health. Westminster officers provided aid to the gunman, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Packard said Monday that they've found no motive for the shooting, but believe Simcox was ambushed.
"I believe, based on current information, that Corporal Simcox was a target of opportunity," he said. "I think this shooter saw a patrol car, and that is the one he decided to take shots at."
Simcox is expected to make a full recovery. Simcox declined a 9NEWS request for an interview, but Packard read a short statement from him.
"I am extremely blessed to be alive and am very thankful for everyone's support and prayers," the statement said.
The shooting is being investigated by the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office.