COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Law enforcement officers escorted a fallen parole officer from Colorado Springs to Pueblo on Tuesday afternoon.
The procession began Tuesday afternoon at the El Paso County Coroner's Office and went southbound on Interstate 25 to the 6th Street exit in Pueblo.
"Her life was taken that fast -- for no reason," said Kathy Monski, a bartender who closed up shop along the route to watch the procession go by. "She was an important person in our community and it was to show respect for her."
Guerin Sandoval was with two other parole officers trying to serve a warrant to Justin Kula, officials said. Kula was located sitting in a car in a convenience store parking lot near North Spruce and West Bijou streets, according to police. As officers approached, police said Kula hit Guerin Sandoval and another officer with his vehicle while trying to get away. Guerin Sandoval was dragged by the vehicle.
Guerin Sandoval and the other officer were taken to a hospital. Guerin Sandoval died at the hospital. The other officer was treated and released, officials said.
Guerin Sandoval was the first Department of Corrections employee to be killed in an act of violence since 2013, when DOC Director Tom Clements was ambushed and killed at his home.
Kula was arrested a few hours later about three miles away from where Guerin Sandoval was hit, police said. He's being held on suspicion of manslaughter, leaving the scene of a crash involving death and third-degree assault on a peace officer, the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office said. Kula is being held on a $250,000 cash/surety bond, according to court records.
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