Man found guilty for shooting at PPD officers in 2021

(PUEBLO, Colo.) — A man was found guilty of multiple charges on Friday, July 12, in connection to a 2021 incident in which he shot at four Pueblo Police officers as they were responding to a menacing call.

According to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), 44-year-old James Justice was found guilty of four counts of Attempted First Degree Murder after a Jan. 29, 2021 shooting. Officers with the Pueblo Police Department (PPD) were responding to a menacing call in the 4100 block of North Elizabeth Street, and had been informed a man with a gun had threatened several people.

When an officer tried to approach the suspect, later identified as Justice, Justice fired several rounds at the officer, who fired back. Neither the officer or Justice were hit by gunfire, but the officer’s patrol car was struck at least once.

Justice then ran to a nearby mobile home park, where he continued to exchange gunfire with police on multiple occasions, over a period of about 30 minutes. Eventually, Justice was shot in the thigh by an officer and taken into custody.

In addition to the four counts of Attempted Murder, Justice was also found guilty of four counts of First Degree Assault and four counts of Reckless Endangerment. Justice is being held at the Pueblo County Jail, where he has remained since his arrest. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 6.

“I would like to thank the deputies of the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office and DA Jeff Chostner’s office in the 10th Judicial District for their incredible work. I also value the time and commitment of the jurors for holding Mr. Justice accountable for his actions that day,” said PPD Chief Chris Noeller. “The officers of the Pueblo Police Department are committed to the safety of our community, and I am proud of the actions and professionalism of our officers to bring Mr. Justice into custody under very challenging conditions.”

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