BOULDER, Colo. — A man accused of shooting at two Longmont Police Department (LPD) officers in January 2022 pleaded guilty on Monday and was sentenced to 60 years in prison.
Jesus Hilario Rodela entered guilty pleas to two counts of first-degree assault on a peace officer, according to the 20th Judicial District Attorney's Office.
On January 13, 2022, officers with LPD responded to a report of a stolen vehicle near Longs Peak Avenue and Baker Street in Longmont, the District Attorney's Office said in a news release.
A victim spotted their stolen car in an alley near Fourth Avenue and Baker Street and called 911. When officers arrived, they saw four people inside the car. One of them got out and ran, according to LPD.
Police set up a perimeter and found the man about two blocks away on Baker Street., police said.
Chris Borchowiec, a school resource officer, responded to protect Columbine Elementary School and encountered Rodela, the District Attorney's Office said.
As Brochowiec tried to block Rodela's escape route with his patrol car, Rodela fired three shots at Brochowiec. Another school resource officer, Sgt. John Garcia, responded to the scene and activated the emergency lights on his truck, according to the District Attorney's Office.
Rodela raised his gun and fired at Garcia, and Garcia accelerated to hit Rodela with his vehicle, the DA's Office said.
The officers recovered Rodela's gun and found bullets in Brochowiec's and Garcia's vehicles. The DA's Office determined last February that Garcia's actions were legally justified.
Rodela was on parole from a sentence in Weld County and was the subject of two active arrest warrants for cases involving felony aggravated motor vehicle theft charges, according to the DA's Office.
Deputy District Attorneys McKenna Mayfield and Joshua Lisk stated, “We just want to thank the victims’ for their cooperation and patience through the long court process.”
“The victim officers had responded quickly and courageously to protect community members in Longmont," said District Attorney Michael Dougherty. "They faced direct gunfire from this defendant. The defendant put their lives, and the lives of community members, at serious risk. This lengthy sentence is the right outcome, based on his dangerous and violent conduct as well as his criminal history. I appreciate the work of the Longmont Police Department and the prosecution team in securing this sentence.”
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS
