Victor Anthony De Santiago Obituary, Death – The suspect killed in a shootout with a Colorado State Patrol trooper last weekend has been identified as Victor Anthony De Santiago, according to the coroner for Adams and Broomfield counties. Santiago, 32, died in Westminster after an exchange of gunfire with Colorado State Patrol Cpl. Tye Simcox on U.S. 36 near Federal Boulevard.
The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. when Santiago, driving a black Chevrolet pickup truck, fired several shots at Simcox. At the time, Simcox was parked between two concrete barriers in his marked patrol car, doing paperwork. Investigators believe Simcox was deliberately targeted. Santiago, traveling east, shot into the patrol vehicle multiple times using a handgun.
After the initial shots, Santiago pulled over, exited his truck, and continued firing at Simcox. Simcox, who had exited his vehicle, returned fire, resulting in Santiago’s death.
Simcox sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the shootout and was treated at the hospital before being released. The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to understand Santiago’s motives.