A Thornton, Colorado police officer was shot multiple times and the suspected gunman was killed by police early Wednesday morning.
Officials said the officer spotted a suspicious driver pull into a transit station parking lot at 8703 North Grant Street shortly before 1 a.m. and approached the vehicle, according to KMGH-TV.
The officer spoke to the driver and then walked back his cruiser. He was seated in his vehicle when police officials said the suspect opened fire on him with a shotgun.
The officer fired back, but the man returned and fled the scene. Two officer were already responding to assist with the traffic stop and began to pursue the suspect.
The suspect stopped in the middle of the road at Grant Street and East 86th Avenue and began firing at the officers with the shotgun. Police returned fire, killing the suspect.
The more than 30-year veteran of the force was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries to his face, neck, left arm and hand as well as his torso and has since been released. Officials said that his bulletproof vet prevented him from sustaining serious injuries.
The incident is currently under investigation.
