An 18th Judicial District judge sentenced a Douglas County man to 20 years in prison after he was convicted of shooting at sheriffs deputies during a pursuit.

Judge Ryan Stuart sentenced 42-year-old Jorge Armando Guzman to two decades in the Department of Corrections Tuesday on charges of attempted first-degree murder, vehicular eluding and possession of a weapon by a previous offender following a pursuit near Highlands Ranch in 2021.

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a “vehicle trespass” report at a home in the 9700 block of Millstone Court around 4 a.m. on Sept. 5, 2021. The homeowner told dispatchers that there were two Hispanic men attempting to steal car parts, according to a press release from the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

When the caller attempted to stop the men, they fled in a white SUV. 

A deputy noticed the SUV and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle fled, reaching speeds of more than 100 mph. During the chase, Guzman fired five shots at the deputy from the passenger’s seat.

The SUV eventually crashed on the northbound I-25 off ramp to Arapahoe Road. Guzman fled the vehicle and was eventually arrested following a pursuit. 

The driver — later identified as 40-year-old Melinda Maldonado — was also arrested. She was also sentenced on Tuesday to 10 years in prison on charges of motor vehicle theft, vehicular eluding and accessory to a crime.

“This sentence should send a very strong message to all those who think they can not only victimize the residents of Douglas County but also shoot at those who have chosen to protect and serve,” Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly said in the release. “Our deputies risk their lives every day. We will continue to hold the line and do what’s necessary to keep our community safe.”

Guzman will also serve five years of mandatory parole following his sentence, according to the release.

“These defendants have no connection to the Highlands Ranch area and came down here for the sole purpose of committing crimes,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “Anyone who is willing to shoot at a deputy and drive recklessly in an attempt to get away deserves a sentence in the Department of Corrections.”