Western PA Native Dies In Colorado Police Officer Shooting

CORTEZ, CO — A Cortez police officer who was a Western Pennsylvania native was shot and killed Wednesday after making what seemingly was a routine traffic stop.

Sgt. Michael Moran made the stop after police had received a reckless driving complaint. One of the occupants of the vehicle opened fire and then the vehicle fled the scene. Moran was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died.

Other officers located the vehicle about a mile from where the shooting occurred. One occupant of the vehicle was shot and killed after opening fire on officers; a second suspect was taken into custody.

Moran was a native of Beaver County, according to CBS News Colorado.

According to the Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Moran was a Marine for nine years before joining the Cortez force in 2012. He became a K-9 handler in 2016.

A Colorado Gives donations page set up to benefit Moran's family stated this about the fallen officer: "Sgt. Moran will be remembered by his fellow officers for his dedication and sense of humor. He leaves behind two daughters, many friends, and family."