03/17/2026
On March 17, 2007, Texas Game Warden Justin Hurst became the 16th game warden to 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 warden suspected a man of illegally hunting from the roadside along U.S. Route 90 Alternate.
Warden Hurst joined the pursuit alongside multiple agencies. The chase ended at the intersection of U.S. Route 90 Alternate and County Road 252 after the fleeing vehicle was disabled with a spike strip. The suspect opened fire, and Warden Hurst was struck multiple times. He was flown to a hospital, where he died in the early morning hours of his 34th birthday.
The suspect, who was wounded in the exchange, was later convicted of capital murder and executed on Jan. 27, 2016.
Warden Hurst began his career with the 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, serving in Brazos County before transferring to Wharton County in 2004.
He was dedicated to wildlife conservation, his community, and his family. His service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. The Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area in Brazoria County was later named in his honor.
Today, we honor Game Warden Hurst’s legacy of service.
