Denver police officer Tony Lopez was involved in a shooting during a traffic stop on Tuesday.  Lopez notified dispatch he was making a traffic stop and two minutes later he told dispatch he had been shot.

Arriving officers noticed a vehicle driving away from the scene at a high rate of speed.  Police chased the vehicle and was able to take a suspect into custody.  It appeared he had been shot in the leg.

Officer Lopez was shot in an arm and both legs.  He was transported to Denver Health Medical Center in critical condition.

Moore told Denver7 investigator John Ferrugia that Lopez nearly died from blood loss, but first responders were to thank for saving him.

“I should note the paramedics did a phenomenal job because those tourniquets they put on in the field saved his life. He lost so much blood that his heart almost stopped when he arrived. Those tourniquets clearly saved his life,” Moore said.

A statement from Denver Police Department’s Facebook page:

WE’RE ALL PULLING FOR YOU, TONY!

Friends, you may have all heard by now that today, Denver Police District 1 Officer Tony Lopez Jr. was conducting a traffic stop this morning when he was shot. Officer Lopez was transported to Denver Health suffering from multiple gun shot wounds. He is out of surgery and remains in critical condition. We know Tony is a tough dude and we are sending him healing thoughts and support. Please join us in wishing him the best and thanking the staff at Denver Health for taking such good care of him!

They also added a touching story about Officer Lopez from 2014:

TOP COP: D2 OFFICER TONY LOPEZ

Earlier this year, a four year-old girl called 911 after her mother passed out, and Denver Police District 2 Officer Tony Lopez did more than respond to the scene. The mother was revived by paramedics, and Officer Lopez learned she was having serious medical issues. Her daughter, who acted bravely in the face of a very scary situation, was noticeably nervous about Officer Lopez’s presence on the scene. Later that same week, in an effort to improve the child’s comfort level with law enforcement, Officer Lopez returned to the home to visit, with a Happy Meal in hand for the little girl. Her attitude and comfort level with Officer Lopez had noticeably improved. While there, Officer Lopez learned that the little girl’s birthday was coming up, but due to the mother’s medical bills, she would not be able to provide presents or throw a party for her daughter. Officer Lopez, again went out of his way, purchased gifts for the little girl and arranged for a local Skate City to donate a skate party for her birthday. Officer Lopez is undoubtably a “Top Cop” and we couldn’t be more proud to have him amongst our ranks.

We pray for Officer Lopez’s speedy recovery.