By Police1 Staff
LITTLETON, Colo. — Body camera footage captured a traffic stop that escalated into a shooting after an armed man charged at a deputy.
Deputy Brad Proulx pulled over to help what he thought was a stranded motorist Friday, The Denver Channel reported.
The video shows Proulx approaching the passenger’s side of the vehicle. When he comes around the driver’s side, Deyon Marcus Rivas-Maestas, 25, swings a rifle at Proulx’s face.
The deputy fired two shots and struck Rivas-Maestas once in the arm, according to the news station.
Rivas-Maestas was treated and released to police. He faces charges of first-degree assault on a peace officer. Proulx was not injured.
“The result of this shooting is a testament to the training each of our deputies are provided,” Sheriff Tony Spurlock told KKTV. “This just shows how necessary it is for deputies to be able to make split-second decisions, not only for their own protection but for the protection of the community.”
Police later determined that Rivas-Maestas’ rifle was not loaded. Per policy, Proulx is on administrative leave pending an investigation.