Duty Death: Christine Guerin Sandoval - [Colorado Springs]
End of Service: 28/09/2023
By Greg Friese
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Two Colorado parole officers were struck by a vehicle in a Colorado Springs intersection they were walking across.
According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, two parole officers were hit and both were transported to a local hospital. Parole Officer Christine Guerin Sandoval died from her injuries.
“Christine was a mother, she was a daughter, she was a wife and she was a protector,” Colorado Corrections Chief Andre Stancil said during a news conference. “Christine took an oath and that oath was to protect the citizens of the state of Colorado, and she lost her life doing just that.”
The second officer was taken to a hospital where she was treated and released.
Just before 4 p.m. Thursday, three parole officers were attempting to serve the suspect, Justin Kula, a warrant while he was in a vehicle in a shopping center parking lot. Kula struck Guerin Sandoval and another female parole officer with his vehicle as he made his escape, according to authorities.
A Blue Alert was issued for Kula. He was located and apprehended a few hours later.
Law enforcement officers assembled at Memorial Hospital, Colorado Springs, for a procession of the fallen officer to the El Paso County Coroner’s office.