Man convicted of shooting SDPD officer sentenced to over 30 years in prison

SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI)-- A man who shot a police officer after being pulled over in a stolen truck in June 2023 has been sentenced to prison, according to the San Diego District Attorney's Office.

J.C. Blake Sartor, 32, was convicted of attempted murder, assault on a peace officer, shooting at an inhabited structure, and other felony counts for the June incident.

A jury found him guilty of all counts on July 10, and he received his sentencing of 38 years to life in state prison Tuesday morning.

According to the report, Officer James Romero attempted to pull over Sartor in June 2023, who was driving a stolen vehicle. Sartor then fled on foot, abandoning the truck, and leading Officer Romero on a pursuit through a passage through an apartment complex.

During the chase, Sartor fired two shots, with one bullet striking Officer Romero in the arm and seriously wounding him. The other bullet hit a building in the apartment complex, according to authorities.

Officer Romero was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital.

Authorities said they were able to find Sartor during a manhunt at a house in Kearny Mesa after officers lifted fingerprints and DNA from the stolen truck and identified the 32-year-old as the driver.

When police arrested Sartor, authorities said he was in possession of the same gun used to injure Officer Romero.

“This case demonstrates why traffic stops can be among the most dangerous situations peace officers on patrol encounter,” District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a press release. “Fortunately, Officer James Romero survived the attempt on his life, and I’m proud of our prosecution team’s dedicated work to deliver justice on his behalf and on behalf of the community.”