Terrifying split-second moment cop shoots motorist who attacked him with a rifle captured in incredible bodycam footage
A routine traffic stop in Littleton, Colorado, turned into a terrifying shooting
THE terrifying moment a cop pulled a gun and shot a rifle-wielding thug during a routine traffic stop was captured on the officer's bodycam.
Brave deputy Brad Proulx in the Douglas County Sheriff's Office stopped to help what he thought was a stranded motorist on Santa Fe Road in Littleton, Colorado.
The cop falls to the floor and - clearly panicked but in control - yells into his radio "shots fired".
He then stands and tells the injured man to get on the ground and not to move.
Rivas-Maestas is heard wailing and telling the officer he's "sorry" and he "didn't mean it".
Sheriff Tony Spurlock said: "The result of this shooting is a testament to the training each of our deputies are provided.
"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."
Rivas-Maestas was treated and released from the hospital and is now in custody being held on a $50,000 bond.
El Paso County Sheriff's spokeswoman Jackie Kirby said: "Traffic stops are probably one of the most dangerous things our law enforcement officers do.
"He was just on routine patrol and wanted to assist a motorist... and then it elevated very, very quickly."
Bodycam footage also captured the moment a hero cop jumped into a pond to save a four-year-old autistic boy who was just seconds away from drowning.
Courageous Aaron Bulmer spotted the stricken youngster as he was searching for people involved in a fight.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368