Trooper ambushed in Colorado highway shootout, suspect killed

On U.S. 36, a Colorado State Patrol trooper, Cpl. Tye Simcox, was ambushed while filling out paperwork in his cruiser. The assailant, Victor Anthony De Santiago, 32, approached and opened fire, hitting Simcox in the arm. Despite his injury, Simcox managed to retrieve a patrol rifle and returned fire, killing De Santiago. The entire incident unfolded in less than a minute, with video evidence showing the rapid exchange of gunfire. The timeline of events reveals the intensity of the situation. De Santiago fired the first shots at 1:16:14 p.m., and within seconds, Simcox was seeking cover and reporting his injury. After retrieving his rifle, he engaged De Santiago, firing approximately ten rounds. The first responding trooper arrived shortly after, assisting Simcox, who was later taken to Denver Health for treatment. De Santiago had a significant criminal history in Colorado, including previous arrests for assault and attempted assault on a peace officer. He had been released to community corrections earlier in the year after pleading guilty to charges related to his violent past. This background raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in managing repeat offenders. The incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the unpredictable nature of confrontations with armed suspects. Simcox's quick response not only saved his life but also prevented further harm to the community, demonstrating the critical role of training and preparedness in high-stress situations.