Tue Sep 10 18:08:00 UTC 2024: ## Colorado State Patrol Trooper Shot, Gunman Killed in Shootout
**Westminster, CO** – A Colorado State Patrol trooper was shot and injured on Saturday afternoon after being ambushed by a gunman while parked on U.S. 36 in Westminster. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Victor Anthony De Santiago of Thornton, was subsequently killed in a shootout with the trooper.
According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, De Santiago, also known as “Spider,” had an extensive criminal history in Colorado and California, dating back to his youth. His record includes multiple traffic violations and felony charges, including assault and menacing.
The incident occurred around 1:18 p.m. while Cpl. Tye Simcox was performing paperwork in his marked patrol truck. De Santiago, driving a black Chevrolet pickup truck, slowed down as he passed Simcox, pulled out a handgun, and opened fire, striking the trooper in the arm.
After shooting Simcox, De Santiago pulled over and engaged in a shootout with the wounded trooper. He was killed during the exchange of fire. Simcox, who was able to apply a tourniquet to his wound, was transported to Denver Health and released later that day.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with investigators exploring the possible motive behind the attack and interviewing Simcox.
First Piper 