DATE: May 18, 2018

CASE: Justin Hurst (Case #16FE017117)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney James Wax, Career Criminal Prosecution Unit

Justin Hurst was convicted by a jury of attempted murder and assault with a semi-automatic firearm on a peace officer, reckless evading of a peace officer, possession of an assault weapon, possession of a short-barreled shotgun and four counts of felon in possession of a firearm. The jury also found true enhancements that Hurst intentionally discharged a firearm and that he knew and intended to fire at peace officers.

On September 1, 2016, two Citrus Heights police officers contacted Justin Hurst, who was asleep in a parked vehicle.  Hurst was on Post-Release Community Supervision and had a felony warrant.  Officers directed Hurst to keep his hands on the steering wheel, but he instead sped away and led the officers on a high-speed chase in a residential neighborhood.  During the chase, Hurst fired multiple rounds at the officers. Hurst crashed his car into a resident’s fence, and was taken to a hospital to treat his injuries.  A search of his car revealed 13 cartridge casings, four firearms and boxes of ammunition.

Additional allegations that Hurst has a prior 1999 strike conviction for first-degree burglary and three prior convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm will be determined at his sentencing hearing.

If those allegations are found true, Hurst faces a maximum sentence of 42 years to life in prison.  Sentencing is set for June 29, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. in Department 21 before the Honorable Steve White.

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