Neighbor Of Trooper Killed Hopes Authorities 'Throw The Book' At Suspect
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (CBS4) - A retired Army colonel is facing several charges, including vehicular homicide and DUI, after the death of state trooper Jaimie Jursevics.
"It breaks our heart when one of our own is lost," said Colorado State Patrol chief Scott Hernandez.
The 33-year-old mother of a 1-year-old girl was struck by a car Sunday night just before 9 p.m. She had been assisting another trooper on the scene of an accident at Interstate 25 and Tomah Road.
"We do see it way too often, and it's devastating," said Hernandez.
State patrol says Jursevics was outside her car, talking on the phone to a motorist nearby who had reported a suspected drunk driver heading her way. The person on the line says the trooper tried to use a flashlight to pull the suspect over, but was struck and killed by that vehicle, which left the scene. The person heard her scream, then saw her flashlight fly in the air. Four miles later, Palmer Lake Police arrested retired Army Colonel Eric Henderson.
Henderson admitted to drinking several beers before and after the Broncos game. Officers say his speech was slurred, he smelled of alcohol, and reportedly cried while saying, "I killed a cop."
"It was quite a shock when we heard," the trooper's nextdoor neighbor told CBS4's Tom Mustin.
The man, who asked not to be identified, said Jursevics and her husband were a happy couple, and good neighbors. He had little sympathy for the suspect.
"I hope they throw the book at whoever did it. I don't care if he's an Army vet or a general or whatever the heck he is. There's no cause for his acting like he did then taking off."
As law enforcement remembered a brave woman killed in the line of duty on Monday, the neighbor offered condolences to her devastated family.
"It was very nice having them as neighbors. Our thoughts and prayers are with them."
Henderson is facing charges of vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, DUI and careless driving resulting in death. He's due in court Tuesday morning.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Jaimie Jursevics' family.
Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Follow Tom on Twitter @TomCBS4.
