DEL CITY, Okla. – The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has identified the two troopers who were injured in a deadly shooting following a chase on Saturday morning.
Troopers attempted to pull over a white van along I-35 early Saturday morning when the driver took off.
The pursuit continued to I-40 and Sunnylane before the driver finally pulled over; but he wasn’t done trying to get away.
Officials say the man pulled out a gun and shot both troopers.
“There was gunfire that exchanged between the troopers and the suspect.” Lt. Brian Orr said. “Both troopers were shot. One of them in the face, one of them in the leg.”
Amazingly, the troopers were able to return fire, killing the suspect.
The deadly chase ended just a few feet away from Matthew and Jonathan Muise’s home.
Jonathan Muise said, “It was like pow pow pow pow pow, that’s all we heard.”
Matthew Muise said, “We heard this screeching and then a bunch of loud pops. I knew it was gunfire then but I didn’t know where exactly it was at, I knew it was close.”
On Sunday afternoon, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol released the identities of both troopers.
Trooper Ryan Smith, who is an eight year veteran of the force, was shot in the face when the suspect opened fire.
Fortunately, authorities say he is expected to recover and remains in the hospital.
Trooper Chris Bunch, a one year veteran with the patrol, suffered a leg wound.
He has already been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s name.
Patrolmen are still investigating why the suspect ran from troopers.