On August 30, 2023, Judge Michael Gonzales sentenced Christopher Ocasio to 28 years for two counts of attempted murder of police officers. The maximum sentence Mr. Ocasio faced was 32 years. Almost one year ago, the District Attorney’s Office charged Mr. Ocasio with firing on police who responded to his home in Costilla County to investigate allegations that Mr. Ocasio was firing a high powered rifle at his neighbor. When police arrived, Mr. Ocasio came out of his home with an AR-15 and aimed the weapon at Costilla County deputies. One deputy was able to take cover before Mr. Ocasio began firing shots in his direction. Mr. Ocasio barricaded himself in his home for many hours firing shots intermittently at the covered officers. The Alamosa SWAT team responded to assist the Sheriff’s Office. When they arrived, Mr. Ocasio began firing at them. The SWAT team was only able to apprehend Mr. Ocasio when they drove an armored car through Mr. Ocasio’s house. After they breached the wall, they found Mr. Ocasio standing in the living room pointing a rifle at the SWAT team operators.
At the sentencing, deputies from the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office and members of Alamosa SWAT described the impact this incident had on them and the fear they experienced while being fired on. They reminded the Court that they have families and children to return home to and this type of assault had the real potential of taking that away from them.
“This type of cowardly and violent attack on the men and women who risk their lives every day to protect members of San Luis Valley community cannot be tolerated. The response by the Costilla Sheriff’s Office and Alamosa SWAT to this extremely dangerous incident was extraordinary. They showed restraint, professionalism and bravery. Thankfully, everyone walked away safe, including Mr. Ocasio. This sentence represents justice for those who chose to wear the badge, and respect for the incredibly difficult job those individuals do for us.”