Game Warden Justin Phillip Hurst, 34, was shot and killed following a high-speed pursuit on March 16, 2007, in Wharton County, Texas. The chase began when another game warden suspected a man of illegally hunting from the roadside; Hurst was called in as backup and joined officers from other agencies. The pursuit ran through two counties and ended at the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 ALT and County Road 252 in Wharton County, where the suspect exchanged gunfire with officers.

Hurst suffered several gunshot wounds and was flown to a local hospital, where he died early the next morning on his 34th birthday. The suspect, identified as James Garrett Freeman, was shot and wounded during the exchange and taken into custody. Hurst graduated from the academy in August 2002 and is survived by his wife, a 4-month-old son, his parents, and a brother. The community and his colleagues remember his dedication and service.

If anyone knew Warden Hurst or has information about that March 16, 2007 incident, please share what you know.