Colorado State Trooper Survives Targeted Attack on Highway 36
A Colorado State Patrol trooper was wounded in an unprovoked attack on U.S. 36 near Denver. The assailant was fatally shot during the exchange, with authorities investigating the motive behind the incident.
On September 7, 2024, a Colorado State Patrol trooper survived a targeted attack on U.S. Route 36 near Denver. The incident, which resulted in the assailant's death, has raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement officers in the region.
Corporal Tye Simcox was stationed in his patrol vehicle on the highway median when an unidentified individual opened fire. The attacker used a semi-automatic pistol, a type of firearm that has been in use since the late 19th century. After the initial volley, the assailant exited their vehicle and continued firing at Simcox's windshield.
Demonstrating remarkable composure, Simcox responded with his rifle, neutralizing the threat. The trooper's quick thinking and training proved crucial in this life-threatening situation. Following the exchange, Simcox applied a tourniquet to his wounded arm, a medical technique that has been saving lives since the 16th century.
The Colorado State Patrol, established in 1935, is responsible for maintaining highway safety across the state. This incident occurred on U.S. Route 36, a 1,414-mile highway that stretches from Ohio to Colorado, highlighting the vast areas these troopers must patrol.
Colonel Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, addressed the media, emphasizing the targeted nature of the attack. He stated, "Our member was targeted today by a man that intended to kill him, and that is shocking and unacceptable."
The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. This incident underscores the risks faced by law enforcement officers, who experience one of the highest rates of occupational injuries in the United States.
Denver, the capital and most populous city of Colorado, along with its metropolitan area of over 3 million people, relies on the dedication of these officers to maintain public safety. The Colorado State Patrol, like many law enforcement agencies, has adapted to changing times since the concept of highway patrol emerged in the 1920s with the rise of automobile use.
As investigations continue, this event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who protect and serve. It also highlights the resilience and training of officers like Corporal Simcox, who represent the commitment of the Colorado State Patrol to public safety in a state known for its diverse geography, from high plains to the Rocky Mountains.
"I want it to be known that we came out on top today, and that's really, really important, because that's what good does. Good and courageous people win over evil cowardice — and that's what happened today on Highway 36."
The incident has sparked discussions about officer safety and the need for continued support for law enforcement agencies across the state and nation.
