Man who shot San Diego police officer sentenced for attempted murder

A man convicted of the attempted murder of a San Diego police officer for shooting him in the arm during a foot chase in City Heights was sentenced Tuesday to 38 years and four months to life in state prison.

J.C. Blake Sartor, 32, was found guilty by a San Diego Superior Court jury of shooting Officer James Romero on June 8, 2023.

Prosecutors allege Sartor stole a pickup truck and led Romero on a pursuit, then abandoned the stolen truck in a residential neighborhood and took off running.

Romero chased the suspect into a narrow alley, where the Sartor turned and shot him once in the arm. Prosecutors said the officer did not have his weapon drawn when he was shot.

The gunman then fired a second shot, which struck a nearby apartment building, then fled in an awaiting companion’s vehicle.

Sartor was arrested in Kearny Mesa nearly a week later and was carrying a bag that contained the unserialized “ghost gun” used in the officer’s shooting, prosecutors said.

During Sartor’s sentencing hearing, Romero said lingering numbness in his arm reminds him daily of the shooting and that his wife now fears for his safety every time he goes to work.

“It is people like Mr. Sartor that take safety away from our communities, when citizens and officers are hurt or killed for reckless, selfish behavior,” Romero said.

Defense attorney Loyst Fletcher argued at trial that Sartor was not the shooter, noting that neither Romero’s body-worn camera nor nearby surveillance cameras captured a clear image of the gunman.

Deputy District Attorney Clay Biddle argued that Sartor not only had the gun, but his DNA and fingerprints were found inside the stolen truck. Biddle also said Sartor admitted to a fellow jail inmate that he shot the officer.

Jurors deliberated for just over a day before finding Sartor guilty of shooting Romero and firing a gunshot at the apartment. He was also convicted for stealing two vehicles, possessing methamphetamine, possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon, and leading police on a separate San Diego County police chase a few years before the 2023 shooting.

District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a statement released after the sentencing, “This case demonstrates why traffic stops can be among the most dangerous situations peace officers on patrol encounter. 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.”

In a statement, Police Chief Scott Wahl said, “Every day when our officers put on their uniform to protect and serve, they risk not coming home to their families. This incident underscores the dangers inherent in routine police work. We are deeply grateful that Officer Romero is still with us and to the prosecution for delivering justice and closure to him and his family.”