A Colorado State Patrol trooper, identified as Cpl. Tye Simcox was shot in the arm during an unexpected attack while completing reports in his patrol vehicle. This incident occurred on US 36 in Westminster, according to Denver7. The 16-year CSP veteran was sandwiched between concrete barriers in a protected median when the gunman opened fire on him on Saturday.

Despite his injury, Cpl. Simcox managed to apply a tourniquet to his arm as he awaited backup from fellow troopers and local police. After being struck, he returned fire with his issued rifle, which resulted in the death of the assailant, described as a Hispanic male, as reported by KDVR. The armed confrontation led to US 36's closure from Federal Boulevard to Sheridan Boulevard throughout the evening.

Following the exchange, Simcox was swiftly transported by a fellow trooper to a Denver Health hospital. His survival is attributed to "his training and heroism," stated CSP Col. Matthew Packard. "Our member was targeted today by a man that intended to kill him, and that is shocking and unacceptable but our Colorado state trooper responded appropriately, and swiftly, and courageously and he won today. And by winning, not only did he save his own life but he saved the rest of his community from someone that was clearly intending to do evil," Packard said, as per The Denver Post.

The trooper, who has since been released from the hospital, faced what Packard referred to as "the face of evil." The community has been shaken by the blatant act of violence that unfolded on the bustling highway. As troopers continue to investigate, the details of why Simcox was targeted remain under investigation, as detailed by Denver7. The incident raises concerns about the dangers law enforcement officers face, even when not actively engaged with the public.