Trooper Expected To Recover After Shootout In Woodward

The trooper who was shot early Sunday is expected to recover from his injuries, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said during a new conference Monday morning.

Trooper Austin Ellis tried to conduct a traffic stop in Woodward due to a driver's lack of seat belt use. 

The vehicle yielded then drove away, prompting a chase. During the chase, gunfire was exchanged.

Ellis suffered a fractured rib which caused internal bleeding when he was shot once to the side of his vest. Ellis was taken to OU Medical Center.

He was in good condition Sunday and has vastly improved, OHP Col. Mike Harrell said.

The suspect was shot in the hand as a result of Ellis returning gunfire. He tried to run away from law officers and hid in a residence. 

Troopers arrested Arturo Ramirez Sunday morning and treated him for his hand injury. 

Troopers think Ramirez ran away because he has a criminal history. Ramirez received a deferred sentence of a felony assault and battery on an EMS personnel, Harrell said. 

Ramirez is in OHP custody, Harrell said.