Man shot in head by defense attorney at Alamosa protest Thursday, police say

ALAMOSA, Colo. (KRDO) -- A man is in a Colorado Springs hospital tonight after police say he was shot in the head by a defense attorney during a protest in Alamosa.

KRDO NewsChannel 13 investigative reporter Chelsea Brentzel was in Alamosa Friday where the violence has shaken the small southeastern Colorado community.

Police tell us a 27-year-old defense attorney shot at a driver during a protest Thursday night on Main Street. Until then, the protests in town had been peaceful.

Zoila Gomez, a local protester, was there to describe the aftermath and the initial investigation.

"The street was blocked," said Gomez. "The protestors that arrived at 5 were sitting on the floor filling out forms and giving their testimony"

Police say the suspect, James Marshall, was on the streets protesting when he shot a man who was driving. The gunshot victim was identified by police as 49-year-old Danny Pruitt of Canon City.

Witnesses tell KRDO the driver ran into the crowd, but police say current evidence doesn't support those claims.

KRDO learned that Marshall is a defense attorney in Alamosa. State records show Marshall has practiced law in Colorado since at least October 2018. Those who live in town are stunned by the allegations against him.

"I'm just sad that the way things turned in a matter of a second," said Gomez. "This was unexpected. Fully unexpected."

A video from the night before the shooting shows protesters chanting in the streets. Gomez is hopeful protesters will remain peaceful and says Thursday night's incident is not a true reflection of the small city.

"It could have happened in any other place. It was just the wrong time at the wrong place. Alamosa is home for me and I'm proud to be from this community," Gomez said.

Protest organizers tell KRDO they do not condone violence. Marshal remains in jail on charges of attempted murder and assault.

At this hour, the condition of the victim is unknown.