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State Trooper In Glenwood Canyon Shooting: 'I Should Have Lost My Life'

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4)- The Colorado State Trooper who was shot while trying to help a motorist along Interstate 70 said he should have lost his life as he recounts what happened to him to law enforcement academy graduates.

State Trooper Eugene Hofacker stopped in Glenwood Canyon on May 8 to help Thomas Ornelas, who had been driving a car that was parked in on the side of the highway.

Eugene Hofacker
Eugene Hofacker (credit: Colorado State Patrol)

Ornelas, 40, was shot and killed by trooper Shane Gosnell at the scene.

Hofacker and Gosnell were driving together to a training session when they stopped to help Ornelas stopped in Glenwood Canyon. He fired at Hofacker and Gosnell was able to fire back and kill Ornelas.

This is the first time Hofacker has talked publicly about what happened. He said he wasn't scared that he got hit. He was scared that he might not make it when doubt creeped into his mind.

"I remember telling myself, 'Eugene, get up. Get the hell up. This guy is going to shoot you in the back or even the head,'" said Hofacker as he told his story of survival to a room of law enforcement graduates from Colorado Mountain College Law Enforcement Training Academy.

TROOPER SHOOTING 5PKG.trans
(credit: CBS)

"I should have lost my life. There is no reason why I'm standing here today," said Hofacker.

Hofacker said he had his gun drawn as he approached the car of Ornelas but didn't see the suspect's gun until it was too late.

When Hofacker approached him, Ornelas was awaiting trial for attempted murder and was free on bond.

"Due to several indicators of intoxication and gang tattoos, combative behavior, I knew this encounter was not going to end well," said Hofacker.

Thomas Ornelas
Thomas Ornelas (credit: CBS)

Hofacker was shot repeatedly. He credits his fellow officers with saving his life and tells the new officers to trust their instincts.

"If you do this you'll all go home at the end of the night, I promise," said Hofacker.

He also urged young officers to discuss the reality of the job with their families because everyday they suit up and vow to protect and serve, it could be their last.

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