Police officers never know exactly what to expect when the make a traffic stop, but one thing they can expect is the unexpected.

Brad Prouix is a deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff's Department. A couple of weeks ago, Prouix was traveling south of Denver when he stopped to check on a vehicle that was parked alongside the road.

As he approached the driver's side window, the driver of the vehicle jumped out of the SUV and attacked the officer with the assault rifle. Deputy Prouix fired shots at the attacker, who then ran away, but was subdued until back-up arrived.

The officer's body cam captured the incident on video, illustrating once again how dangerous a police officer's job is.

This story, unlike many others, has a happy ending. Deputy Prouix lived to tell his story.

BONUS VIDEO: The 5 Most Stolen Vehicles in Grand Junction

More From ESPN Western Colorado