Witness describes shootout on US 36 that ended with suspect dead, injured trooper

WESTMINSTER, Colo. (KDVR) — Dana Houghton says she can’t believe her car wasn’t hit by bullets.

The Aurora woman says she was driving eastbound on U.S. Highway 36 near Federal on Saturday when she saw a Colorado State Patrol trooper, now identified as Cpl. Tye Simcox, standing outside his parked vehicle with a rifle.

“I looked and then I could see the black truck with the suspect standing outside the truck right in front of the door, shooting at the officer. So, I started honking,” Houghton said.

She says she tried to move over but couldn’t.

“So, I just ducked and hit the gas and got through it, and when I looked in the rear view mirror the suspect was lying on the ground,” she said.  “It wasn’t until I got onto 270 that I realized I was shaking,” she said.

Houghton was impressed by Simcox’s actions.

“I don’t know how he did it. It’s amazing, their training,” she said.

Investigators said the suspect first shot at the trooper while driving, then pulled over, got out and continued to fire. Simcox was hit in the arm but returned fire, killing the suspect.

“It’s hard to know what the suspect’s true motive was,” Houghton said.

CSP is asking anyone who was driving on U.S. 36 near Federal at about 1:18 p.m. on Saturday and saw anything or has damage to their car to give them a call by dialing *CSP (*277).

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