03/19/2025
On Saturday, March 17, 2007, Justin Hurst became the 16th Texas Game Warden to tragically lose his life in the line of duty when he was shot and killed following a 90-minute high-speed pursuit in Wharton County. The incident began in Colorado County when another game warden suspected a man of illegally hunting from the roadside along U.S. Route 90 ALT.
Warden Hurst was called to assist, joining officers from multiple agencies in the pursuit that spanned two counties. The chase ended at the intersection of U.S. Route 90 ALT and County Road 252 after the fleeing vehicle was disabled with a spike strip. The suspect opened fire on officers. Warden Hurst was struck multiple times during the exchange. He was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries in the early morning hours the following day, his 34th birthday.
The suspect, who was wounded during the exchange, was arrested, convicted of capital murder, and sentenced to death. His sentence was carried out on Jan. 27, 2016.
Warden Hurst began his career with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1995 as a biologist after graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in wildlife and fisheries sciences. He graduated from the 48th Texas Game Warden Academy in 2002 and was stationed in Brazos County until he transferred to Wharton County in 2004.
He was passionate about wildlife and natural resource conservation, was a pillar of the community, cared deeply for his family and he was a faithful public servant. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he loved. Warden Hurst’s service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. After his passing, the Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area in Brazoria County was named in his honor.
