The body cam video shows Proux approaching the passenger side of the vehicle, then beginning to move around to the driver’s side before suddenly encountering the driver, who is holding an assault rifle in his hands.
Proux immediately pulled his service weapon and fired at Deyon Marcus Rivas-Maestas, 25, who ran around the front of the SUV, wounded by a shot to the arm. The video shows Proux falling to the ground and calling dispatch for help, while shouting at Rivas-Maestas to get down on the ground and keep his hands in view.
"This incident occurred very, very quickly," Douglas County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Steven Johnson told the Denver Post. "I speak for every law enforcement officer: When you hear 'shots fired, shots fired,' it's the worst thing that can happen."
According to the Post, investigators do not know why Rivas-Maestas got out of the vehicle with the rifle in his hands, or why he had pulled to the side of the road. The gun was not loaded, officials said.
Rivas-Maestas underwent surgery for the gunshot wound in his arm, and is being charged with first-degree assault of a peace officer. Proux, who was not injured, is on administrative leave.
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