2 TROOPERS WOUNDED IN AMBUSH NEAR WOODLAND PARK; GUNMAN SHOT DEAD IN HAIL OF BULLETS

UPDATE

A blood-thirsty gunman was killed after ambushing two Colorado state troopers Tuesday morning during an attempted traffic stop on Highway 24 near Woodland Park, officials said.

"One trooper has serious wounds, and the second trooper has minor wounds," the state patrol said.

The Teller County Sheriff's Office said that the gunman fled toward Westwood Lakes and Woodland West after shooting the state troopers. Residents were ordered to shelter in place as law enforcement scoured the area. The gunman was shot and killed in a hail of bullets after ambushing deputies about two hours after the troopers were ambushed. No deputies were hit. His identity wasn't released. He was pronounced dead at hospital. He was believed to be a construction worker in the area. The state troopers drove themselves to hospital and "by the grace of God will be OK," said Colonel Matthew Packard, state patrol chief. The gunman was described as white, tall with brown shoulder-length hair wearing blue jeans and a terracotta-colored shirt. He was driving a blue Subaru hatchback. The first trooper was shot at 7:15 a.m. in the vicinity of Highway 24 and Piney Point Lane, about 20 northwest of Colorado Springs. The second trooper was shot going to his aid minutes later.
The motive was under investigation.

The sheriff's office released a chilling photo of the gunman seated at the wheel of the vehicle wielding a weapon. The license plates were obscured.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation sent agents and issued a statewide "Blue Alert" saying: "Use caution and do not approach if seen. Suspect armed and dangerous." The FBI and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also sent agents.

Governor Jared Polis said in an online statement:  "I am grateful to the swift coordination of law enforcement to successfully apprehend the suspect.” The state patrol's Packard said: "I will tell you this: If you shoot a Colorado state trooper, the world is coming for you."

[Photos: Teller County Sheriff; CBI]