Ornelas was a convicted violent felon, out of prison but awaiting trial on charges stemming from a drive-by shooting. He was pulled over on the freeway when the state patrol stopped to offer assistance. As the troopers approached the car on on foot, Ornelas pulled a gun and shot one trooper in the leg. The trooper's partner returned fire, killing Ornelas. The injured trooper survived.
Victim's Name: Thomas Ornelas
Agency Responsible: Colorado State Patrol
Gender: Male
Age: 41
Race: Hispanic
Date of Death: May 8, 2014
County: Eagle
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Unreported
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: No
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Geography: Rural