Parole officer killed in the line of duty, struck by car
Colorado Springs CO September 29, 2023 One of two parole officers struck by a wanted suspect in a vehicle Thursday in Colorado Springs died from their injuries, said the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Police announced the officer’s death at a news conference following the serious hit-and-run about 4 p.m. Thursday. Authorities are withholding the officer’s name until they notify next of kin.
This 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.
CBI sent out a “Blue Alert Activation” after 6 p.m. Thursday about a suspect, Justin Kula, driving a charcoal-colored SUV RX330 Lexus with a Colorado plate CDA346.
Just before 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Kula was in custody after allegedly hitting two parole officers with his SUV in downtown Colorado Springs near North Spruce and West Bijou Streets.
The Blue Alert Program is a cooperative effort among the CBI, local law enforcement agencies, and the state’s public and commercial television and radio broadcasters regarding the imminent danger posed by a suspect(s) who has killed or seriously injured a peace officer.
Around 8 p.m., the “Blue Alert” was deactivated after the suspect and the car he was driving were located by police.
A procession was assembled for the fallen officer in Colorado Springs.
Kula’s criminal history shows he has been charged with second-degree assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest and parole violations from charges related to domestic violence, harassment, drug possession and violating a protection order.
