News Summary
The trial of J.C. Blake Sartor, accused of attempting to murder San Diego police officer James Romero, commenced with opening statements and witness testimony. Sartor is charged after allegedly firing at Officer Romero during a foot chase after fleeing a stolen vehicle. The case highlights critical issues of police safety amid allegations of intentional harm against law enforcement. The prosecution argues Sartor’s actions posed a major threat, while the defense questions the evidence linking him to the shooting.
San Diego – Opening statements and the first witness testimony began on Monday in the trial of J.C. Blake Sartor, a 32-year-old man charged with the attempted murder of San Diego police officer James Romero. The case stems from an incident that took place on June 8, 2023, when Officer Romero attempted to pull Sartor over in City Heights after spotting him driving a stolen white pickup truck.
According to prosecutors, Sartor abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot as Officer Romero pursued him. During this chase, Sartor allegedly turned around and fired at Officer Romero, striking him in the right arm. A second bullet fired by Sartor hit an apartment building as Officer Romero retreated down an alley.
Deputy District Attorney Clay Biddle argued that Sartor made a deliberate choice to “try and kill” Officer Romero rather than surrendering for what was described as a “relatively low-level felony.” This act led to the charges against Sartor, which include eight counts related to the shooting. The prosecution contends that his actions were intentional and posed a significant threat to law enforcement.
After the incident, Sartor reportedly contacted a companion who picked him up from the scene, as indicated by phone records. He was arrested approximately one week later in Kearny Mesa when law enforcement found him hiding at an apartment and attempting to flee out the back door with a bag that contained an unserialized firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun.” A firearms expert is expected to provide a link between this weapon and two casings found at the scene of the shooting.
Furthermore, Sartor’s DNA was discovered on various items located inside the stolen truck, including the truck key, a knife, and a face mask, suggesting his presence in the vehicle. After his arrest, he was placed in a jail cell with an undercover informant, during which he allegedly admitted to firing at Officer Romero. Reports indicate that Sartor expressed regret during this conversation, stating he would have acted differently had he the chance.
The trial also highlights Sartor’s prior legal troubles as he is facing charges related to a 2021 incident where he led police on a 17-mile chase in another stolen vehicle. The defense attorney, Loyst Fletcher, contends that the prosecution lacks definitive video evidence identifying Sartor as the shooter. He argued that the informant’s questioning could have swayed Sartor’s admissions and pointed to the body-worn camera footage from Officer Romero, claiming it does not clearly identify Sartor as the gunman.
Following the incident, Officer Romero sustained a non-life-threatening injury and has since returned to duty. However, he reportedly continues to experience some tingling in his affected arm. As the trial is projected to last at least a week, the prosecution plans to present more evidence, including testimony from Officer Romero himself.
This trial underscores significant issues surrounding police safety and the dangers faced by law enforcement in the line of duty, especially concerning individuals involved in criminal activity. As proceedings continue, the court will assess the evidence presented against Sartor and determine the outcome of this crucial case.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego: Chollas View Shooting – SDP Officer Trial
- CBS 8: Trial of Man Accused of Attempting Murder of San Diego Police Officer
- Police1: Knife-Wielding Man and Officers Incident
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- Fox 5 San Diego: Officer/Suspect Identified in Fatal Ocean Beach Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- ABC7: Police Release Video of Fatal Shooting of Armed Suspect
- Google Search: Police Shooting San Diego
- Courthouse News: First Amendment Coalition Sues San Diego for Records on Police Dog Attack
- Google Scholar: Police Officer Shootings
