EL PASO COUNTY, CO — A procession will be held today for fallen Colorado State Parole Officer Christine Guerin Sandoval from Colorado Springs to her hometown of Pueblo.
The processional included several CSPD patrol vehicles while a CSFD engine stood by. Several CSPD officers saluted the fallen officer as her remains were carried by in a white hearse.
Officer Sandoval died from injuries when she was struck while walking and working with colleagues last week. Authorities say they were working to serve a warrant on parolee Justin Kula.
We're told the escort will depart the El Paso County Coroner's office around 3:15 p.m. Be aware there will be traffic impacts as the escort travels south and traffic is moved either off the interstate or to the shoulder due to rolling closures.
Everyone is welcome to pay their respects to Officer Sandoval along Highway 85 from Las Vegas St. to South Academy Blvd. before moving onto Interstate 25 towards Pueblo with a destination on 6th St.
News5 will have expanded coverage on the life and legacy of Officer Sandoval tonight.
WATCH LIVE NOW: PROCESSION OF FALLEN PAROLE OFFICER CHRISTINE GEURIN SANDOVAL
Police say Kula hit two of the officers with his car and left the scene. Kula was arrested after an alert went out to the community to be on the lookout for him.
He's being held in the El Paso County Jail on a $250,000 bond with an advisement hearing late Tuesday afternoon.
According to court records, Kula has an extensive criminal history in Colorado and Texas.
Officer Guerin Sandoval was a member of the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office from 2007-2019. She was also awarded the 2018 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
The Colorado Springs Police Department released the following statement:
Today, we are mourning with the family of Officer Christine Guerin Sandoval and our brothers and sisters from the Colorado Department of Corrections Parole. Although Parole Officers have a different role in keeping our community safe, they are the same sworn officers as those you see wearing a Colorado Springs Police Department uniform. They take an oath, just as we do, to protect and serve our community. Losing an officer is felt throughout our entire community and we appreciate the support they have shown. All of CSPD will continue to support the Colorado Department of Corrections Parole, the involved officers, and their families throughout this difficult time.
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