Game Warden Justin Hurst
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Law Enforcement Division
Texas
End of Watch: Saturday, March 17, 2007

Biographical Info
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 1353

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Friday, March 16, 2007
Weapon Used: Rifle
Suspect Info: Sentenced to death

Warden Justin Hurst was shot and killed by a suspect in Wharton County following a high speed pursuit on US Route 90-A.

The suspect had fled after he was approached by another warden who suspected him of illegally hunting from the roadside. Warden Hurst was called as back-up, and he and officers from other agencies pursued the suspect through two counties. The suspect then exchanged shots with the officers, mortally wounding Warden Hurst.

Warden Hurst was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries in the early morning hours the following day, his 34th birthday.

The killer was shot and wounded by sheriff's deputies during the exchange. He was taken into custody, charged with murder, and subsequently sentenced to death.

Warden Hurst graduated from the academy to become a warden in August of 2002. He is survived by his wife, 4-month-old son, parents, and brother.