On September 28, 2023, at approximately 3:49 PM the Colorado Springs Police Department received reports of an auto-pedestrian crash at the intersection of North Spruce Street and East Bijou Street.
Upon arrival, officers determined that three parole officers had attempted to contact a suspect known to them in the parking lot of a business at that intersection. The suspect was in a car when the officers attempted to take him into custody for a felony warrant.
In an attempt to flee, the suspect struck two of the parole officers with his vehicle and then fled the location.
Officer Christine Guerin Sandoval was transported to a local hospital where she died as a result of her injuries sustained from being hit by the suspect vehicle. A second parole officer sustained bodily injuries and was also transported to a local hospital where she was released the same day.
The Colorado Springs Police Department and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies immediately began a large-scale search for the suspect including the release of a state alert called a Blue Alert. This alert identified the suspect & suspect vehicle information.
As a result of the Blue Alert, multiple community members contacted the police department, reporting the location of the suspect vehicle. Officers responded to that location and were able to locate the vehicle.
While working to take the suspect into custody an emergency alert to shelter in place was sent out to the 400 block of Glen View Court. Officers were able to locate the suspect and take him into custody without further incident.
CSPD is seeking an arrest warrant for several charges including manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, and third-degree assault on a peace officer.
A photo of Officer Christine Guerin Sandoval, located below, was provided by her family.
This is still an active investigation and anyone with information or who is a witness to this investigation is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000; or if you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.
