COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A Colorado state parole officer who was struck and killed by a suspect while attempting to serve a warrant was identified as Christine Guerin Sandoval during a press conference Friday afternoon.
Sandoval, along with two other Colorado state parole officers, were attempting to make contact with suspect Justin Andrew Kula, 41,near the intersection of North Spruce Street and West Bijou Street in Colorado Springs.
“Upon arrival our officers determined that three parole officers had attempted to contact a suspect who was known to them in the parking lot of a business at that intersection,” said Ira Cronin, Colorado Springs Police Department public relations manager. “While attempting to flee, the suspect struck two of the parole officers with his vehicle and then fled the location.”
The two parole officers were transported to UCHealth Memorial Central. Sandoval died from her injuries, and the second officer, who was not identified in Friday’s press briefing, was released from the hospital.
Colorado Springs Area
State parole officer fatally struck by driver in Colorado Springs
"Christine was a mother, she was a daughter, she was a wife, she was a protector" said Moses 'Andre' Stancil, executive director of the Colorado Department of Corrections. "Christine took an oath and that oath was to protect the citizens of Colorado and she lost her life doing just that."
A Blue Alert was issued for the suspect and vehicle. Law enforcement on Friday credited the public’s response to that alert with helping to locate Kula.
“As a result of the Blue Alert, multiple community members contacted the Colorado Springs Police Department reporting the location of the suspect vehicle,” said Cronin.
Kula was apprehended by law enforcement without incident in the 400 block of Glen View Court in Colorado following a shelter-in-place alert. Investigators are seeking an arrest warrant for manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and third-degree assault on a peace officer.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on all public buildings on the day of Sandoval's funeral.
“My heart is with all those affected by this horrible act of violence that occurred in Colorado Springs yesterday. I send my deepest condolences to Christine’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” said Polis in a statement. “I am grateful to all our community parole officers, law enforcement, and first responders who put their lives on the line to keep Coloradans safe and better our communities."
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade said in a thread on X, formerly known as Twitter, he stands with law enforcement officers across the state and urges the community to "support one another during this difficult time."
"Today our community is in shock. Our hearts and prayers are first and foremost with the family and friends of Officer Christine Guerin Sandoval, the entire Colorado Department of Corrections family, as well as with the members of our law enforcement community. We stand with law enforcement officers across the state and nation during this time of loss. This event reminds us of the dangerous complexity of the work of our law enforcement officers face. It also underscores the need for us as a community to support the women and men sworn to keep our community safe. The weight of the badge is indeed heavy. In the coming days, I urge our community to respect the wishes of the affected families, and as the investigation unfolds, to respect the process. I also urge our community to support one another during this difficult time. And I need you to Support Blue. Thank you to the members of the @CSFDPIO for arriving on scene as soon as possible to provide medical support. And to the @CSPDPIO and regional law enforcement partners who took quick action last night to apprehend the suspect. And to UC Health Memorial. To our friends and family members at the Colorado Department of Corrections under the leadership of Andre Stancil, we SEE you, we STAND with you, and we SHARE in your grief. Friends, in the face of tragedy, our true strength as a community lies in our ability to come together, care for one another, and support one another through these challenging times. May we work towards a future where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. And may we honor the memory of Officer Christine Guerin Sandoval by living with great courage, empathy, humility, and unity."
In a statement, El Paso County Sheriff Joe Roybal said his department joins all of Colorado in mourning Sandoval's passing.
"With a heavy heart, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office joins all of Colorado in mourning the fallen Colorado Division of Adult Parole Officer's tragic, senseless death. Our prayers are with the Officer’s family and with the second Officer who was injured during the incident, as well.
Members of law enforcement bravely run toward the danger and make unbelievable sacrifices so we can live in a safer world. As a law enforcement family, we mourn this loss and offer our prayers and unconditional support as they navigate through this unthinkable situation."
